Plant Identifier
Golden Rat Tail Cactus

Golden Rat Tail Cactus

Cleistocactus winteri

Family: CactaceaeNative: Bolivia (specifically Santa Cruz, Vallegrande Province)

The Golden Rat Tail Cactus is a clustering cactus with numerous, elongated, slender, bright green stems that can grow quite long and trail, making it an excellent hanging basket or cascading plant. The stems are covered in short, golden-yellow spines, giving them a fuzzy or hairy appearance. Mature plants may produce funnel-shaped, pink to reddish-orange flowers.

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Care instructions

This cactus thrives in full sun exposure, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. It requires well-draining soil, such as a cactus mix, to prevent root rot. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, and reduce watering significantly during its dormant winter period. Protect from frost as it is not cold-hardy. Fertilize sparingly with a diluted cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).