Disocactus x mallisonii (Rat's Tail Cactus)

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