These cacti are epiphytic (air plants) and can grow on the ground or atop other plants.
Because of their long, trailing stems, cultivated dog tail cacti makepopular hanging basketand container plants.
When properly cared for, your dog tail cactus will produce white, fragrant flowers nocturnally.
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Dog Tail Cactus Care
Like most cacti, dog tail cacti prefer full sun.
They grow best in heat, humidity, fast-draining soil, or potting mix.
Propagating a dog tail cactus with seeds is difficult but can easily be done using root division or cuttings.
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While dog tail cacti are hardy, they can become damaged by dampness or frost from harsh winter weather.
It’s best to overwinter a dog tail cactus indoors with ample sunlight.
Its stems usually become too thin and dull in color if grown in poor light conditions.
Ample sunlight also encourages healthy, short, and sharp spines rather than softer, hair-like ones.
Soil
Growing dog tail cacti in a fast-draining and drying cactus mix is best.
This will ensure your cactus won’t suffer issues from excessive moisture.
If your cactus has to grow in overly wet soil, it will begin to rot.
However, ensuring the soil or cactus mix dries out completely in between watering is crucial.
You must provide your dog tail cactus with the correct water balance and dryness.
Temperature and Humidity
The dog tail cactus is among the hardier cacti species.
It can tolerate temperatures from around 40 F up to 90 F. However, it can’t tolerate frost.
The dog tail cactus prefers humidity over the dry heat that many other cacti thrive in.
In cooler regions, the cactus is better suited to indoor growth.
Ideally, the fertilizer is formulated specially for cacti.
You may also provide a light layer of a bloom booster fertilizer through the spring and summer.
Very carefully remove limbs at their branch point without cutting into the cactus’s main stem.
You may use pruners or your fingers to snap off dead sections of the plant.
It’s best two propagate in the spring.
Allow the seeds to dry completely before storing them in a dry, dark location.
Continue to mist the seeds through germination; once established, water normally.
When you re-pot it, select a well-draining pot, and spread out the roots.
Leave the plant dry for at least a week before initial light waterings.
This will reduce the risk of any root rot occurring.
Don’t over-apply cactus mix orfast-draining potting medium, as these cacti thrive in little soil.
While cacti can withstand cold temperatures, they will suffer from wet soil because of snow or frost.
Once in bloom, they produce large, fragrant white (or sometimes pink) flowers that resemble orchids.
Don’t be disappointed if your plant never blooms.
Unless growing conditions are perfect, they rarely offer up any flowers.
Discoloration on Stems
Discoloration on dog tail cactus stems is likely a result of poor watering practices.
If your cactus is receiving too much or too little water, its stems will become pale.
This may also result from frost damage, mold, or lack of sunlight.
Consider moving your cactus in addition to adjusting its watering routine.
Dark tips may accompany weak stems.
The dog tail cactus requires more water than the rat tail cactus.
In the wild, dog tail cacti can live for centuries.
However, if you grow the plant indoors, it may only live up to 10 years.
