Scientific Name
Disocactus x mallisonii (Otto & A.Dietr.) Barthlott
Common Names
Rat's Tail Cactus
Synonyms
Aporocactus x mallisonii, x Aporoheliocereus mallisonii, x Aporoheliocereus smithii, Cereus x mallisonii, Cereus mallisonii, Cereus x smithii, x Heliaporus smithii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Disocactus
Description
Disocactus x mallisonii is a tender, pendent, perennial cactus with stout, bright green, ribbed stems, up to 0.4 inch (1 cm) in diameter, bearing brown spines. The flowers are narrowly tubular, funnel-shaped and bright pink or red.
Photo via joabruwanie.wordpress.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Many of the cultivated plants known as Epiphyllum hybrids are derived from crosses between species of Disocactus (rather than Epiphyllum) and other genera in the Hylocereeae.
Disocactus should be grown in a rich but still well draining soil. They should be watered regularly and fertilized as well. This is essential for good growth and flowering. During the growing period the plants need frequent watering. The waterings should be rather abundant, so that the soil becomes completely soaked, but let dry between watering. Keep relatively dry in winter or when night temperatures remain below 50 °F (10 °C).
These cacti dislike extreme heat and cold, so they are best green-housed during the depth of winter and heat of summer in hot dry climates. They also prefer shade to sun and like a little extra humidity in the air.
Disocactus can be reproduced both by seeds and cuttings… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Disocactus
Origin
Disocactus x mallisonii is a hybrid between Disocactus flagelliformis and Disocactus speciosus.
Links
- Back to genus Disocactus
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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