How to Successfully Propagate Rat Tail Cactus: A Step-by-Step Guide

The rat tail cactus, also known by its scientific name Aporocactus flagelliformis, is a unique and eye-catching trailing succulent. Native to Mexico and Central America, this popular houseplant is loved for its long, cascading segmented stems covered in tiny hairs and spines.

Rat tail cactus is often sold at garden centers and nurseries, but it is much more fun to grow your own from an existing plant. It’s fun and easy, and it’s a great way to get free plants!

You can grow rat tail cactus from offsets, stem cuttings, and seeds. This guide will tell you everything you need to know.

An Overview of Rat Tail Cactus

Before jumping into propagation methods, let’s do a quick overview of rat tail cactus care and growth habits.

• Grows long trailing stems up to 3-4 feet in length. The stems are segmented and covered in fine hairs and spines

• Produces showy tubular flowers in late spring/early summer Flowers last just a day or two

• Does best in bright light like a south or west window. Requires full sun to bloom.

• Prefers warm temperatures from 65-80°F. Not frost hardy.

• Allow soil to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. Drought tolerant when established.

• Typically grown in hanging baskets or containers. Trailing habit works great for this.

• Matures slowly but stems elongate quickly under ideal conditions.

Now that we’ve covered some background on the rat tail cactus, let’s get into propagating this amazing plant!

Propagating by Offsets

The easiest way to grow more rat tail cactus is from offsets, also called “pups.” Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify Mature Offsets

Look at the base of your rat tail cactus plant for offsets that are near the ground. Look for offsets that are 1-3 inches tall. When they are fully grown, offsets will have clear segments and spines, just like the parent plant.

Step 2: Carefully Detach the Offsets

Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife to gently detach the offsets from the main plant. Try to keep some roots attached if possible.

Step 3: Allow Ends to Callus

Place the removed offsets in a dry, shady spot for 2-7 days. This allows the ends to callus over and prevents rotting.

Step 4: Plant in Well-Draining Soil

Fill small starter pots with cactus/succulent soil mix. Make a hole and insert the callused end of the offset into the soil. Gently firm the soil around the base.

Step 5: Provide Ideal Conditions

Place your new potted offsets in a warm, sunny spot. Water sparingly at first until new growth appears. Then you can water more as the new roots establish.

In a few weeks, your offsets will root and you’ll have brand new rat tail cactus plants!

Propagating by Stem Cuttings

You can also propagate rat tail cactus by taking stem cuttings in early spring or summer. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Cut a 6 Inch Stem Segment

Use clean, sharp scissors or shears to cut a 6 inch segment of stem right above a segment joint. Make sure the stem is healthy.

Step 2: Allow Ends to Callus

Leave the cutting in a dry, shady place for 3-7 days until the cut end forms a callus.

Step 3: Stick in Well-Draining Soil

Fill a small container with cactus/succulent soil. Make a hole and insert the callused end 1-2 inches deep. Gently firm the soil.

Step 4: Provide Warmth and Bright Light

Place the potted cutting in a warm spot with temperatures around 70-80°F. Give it plenty of bright, indirect light.

Step 5: Wait for Roots and Growth

Keep the soil slightly dry at first to prevent rotting. In a few weeks, you should see new stem and root growth. Then you can water more regularly.

Stem cuttings are quick and easy way to get more plants!

Propagating Rat Tail Cactus by Seed

Propagating rat tail cactus from seeds is more challenging but also extra satisfying. Here’s how to try it:

Step 1: Collect Seeds

Let the flowers fade, then collect the tiny black seeds and allow to fully dry out for a few days.

Step 2: Plant Seeds in Soil

Fill small pots with cactus/succulent soil mix. Lightly sprinkle seeds on the soil surface and just barely cover with soil.

Step 3: Create a Warm, Humid Environment

Place pots in a warm spot around 70-80°F. Cover with plastic wrap or a clear dome to retain humidity.

Step 4: Provide Bottom Heat and Light

Place seed pots over heating mats to warm roots. Give 14 hours/day of bright, indirect sunlight.

Step 5: Care for Seedlings

In 4-8 weeks, seedlings emerge! Gradually acclimate to lower humidity, then transplant mature seedlings.

Growing from seeds requires more patience but it’s fun to watch the baby cacti grow!

Caring for New Rat Tail Cactus Plants

Once your propagated rat tail cactus plants are established, here are a few care tips:

• Provide plenty of bright, indirect sun for best growth. Some direct sun is ok.

• Water thoroughly when soil dries out. Beware of overwatering.

• Use a well-draining cactus/succulent soil mix. Add perlite for drainage.

• Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Repot annually in spring into a slightly larger container.

• Ideal temps are 65-80°F. Protect from frost and cold.

• Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Treat quickly.

• Display in hanging baskets or arrangements to show off trailing stems.

With the right care, your new propagated rat tail cacti will thrive and cascade beautifully in your home!

Troubleshooting Propagation Problems

While propagating rat tail cactus is generally foolproof, issues can arise. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Rotting stems – Allow cuttings to fully callus before planting, use very well-draining soil, don’t overwater.

• Poor root growth – Increase sunlight which stimulates root development.

• Leggy growth – Provide more sunlight, avoid overwatering.

• Failure to bloom – Ensure plant gets enough direct sun.

• Pests – Quarantine and treat any pests quickly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

• Seeds not sprouting – Ensure fresh seeds, use sterile starting mix, provide sufficient warmth and humidity.

Be patient, tweak conditions, and your propagation efforts will be successful!

Final Thoughts on Propagating Rat Tail Cactus

Adding trailing rat tail cactus specimens to your home via propagation is extremely rewarding. This unique succulent is so easy and fun to propagate by offsets, stem cuttings, or seeds.

In just a few weeks, you’ll have cute baby rat tail cactus plants to pot up and enjoy. Be sure to provide ideal growing conditions like sun, warmth, well-draining soil and proper watering to keep your propagated plants happy and healthy. Let those stems cascade!