How to Grow Rat Tail Cactus
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Rat Tail Cactus
Selenicereus anthonyanus
succulentRat tail cactus is a trailing succulent known for its distinctive flat, ribbon-like stems that resemble rat tails. It produces spectacular nocturnal flowers that are typically pink, magenta, or red with white interiors. This epiphytic cactus is relatively easy to grow and makes an excellent choice for hanging baskets and containers.
When should you plant Rat Tail Cactus in your zone?
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Example Rat Tail Cactus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rat Tail Cactus
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Rat Tail Cactus
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rat Tail Cactus dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown indoors elsewhere
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Get my Rat Tail Cactus timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksCuttings develop roots or young plants acclimate to their container
Keep soil barely moist, provide bright indirect light, avoid fertilizing. Allow roots to establish over 2-4 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early fall, 4-6 monthsFlat, ribbon-like stems elongate and branch, creating the characteristic trailing form
Water when soil is completely dry. Fertilize monthly with diluted succulent fertilizer during growing season. Stems may reach 2-3 feet or longer.
Bud Formation
4-6 weeksFlower buds develop along the stem edges, typically appearing in late spring
Maintain consistent watering and bright light. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; increase phosphorus to promote flowering. Buds may appear small and inconspicuous at first.
Flowering
Late spring through summer, sporadic blooming over 2-3 monthsLarge, showy flowers open at night, typically 2-4 inches across in shades of pink, magenta, red, or white
Do not overwater. Night blooms last until morning. Flowers may appear over several weeks. Some plants bloom multiple times per season.
Dormancy
Fall and winter, 2-3 monthsGrowth slows dramatically; plant enters rest period with minimal changes
Reduce watering to once monthly or less. Keep plant cool (55-65°F if possible). No fertilizing. This rest period promotes flowering the following season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plant
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or miticide if severe
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Remove manually with tweezers; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil
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Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; repot in fresh, dry soil if rot is present; trim affected roots
Uses
Nocturnal Flowering Display
OrnamentalRat tail cactus produces stunning night-blooming flowers in vibrant pink, magenta, and red shades. The dramatic blooms last from evening through morning, making it a conversation-starting houseplant. [source]
Hanging Basket & Container Growing
HouseholdThe trailing, ribbon-like stems are perfectly suited to hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, and elevated containers where they can cascade gracefully. It's an excellent low-maintenance option for vertical gardening. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe large nocturnal flowers attract night-flying pollinators like moths and bats. Growing this plant can contribute to supporting nocturnal pollinator populations when placed outdoors. [source]
Harvest Tips
Rat tail cactus is grown ornamentally for flowers and foliage rather than harvested. Enjoy blooms as they appear. Cuttings can be propagated by cutting 3-6 inch segments and allowing them to dry for 1-2 days before placing in dry soil.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rat tail cactus flowers are nocturnal bloomers that open in the evening and typically close by morning, following a pollination strategy adapted to attract night-flying insects and bats
- 🌱 The plant's flat, leaf-like stems are actually modified cladodes—a unique adaptation among cacti that allows it to thrive as an epiphytic plant in tropical rainforest canopies
- 🌱 Despite its common name, rat tail cactus is technically a dragon fruit relative in the genus Selenicereus, which includes some species that produce edible fruits
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