How to propagate the golden rat tail cactus by cuttings? Master these key points
The stems of the golden rat tail cactus are slender, generally twisted and pendent. In its place of origin, the golden rat tail cactus can reach up to 2 m tall, while under cultivation it generally grows about 20-30 cm. The golden rat tail cactus is not difficult to cultivate, and artificial propagation can be done by cuttings
The stems of the golden rat tail cactus are slender, generally twisted and pendent. In its place of origin, the golden rat tail cactus can reach up to 2 m tall, while under cultivation it generally grows about 20-30 cm. The golden rat tail cactus is not difficult to cultivate, and artificial propagation can be done by cuttings.
Golden rat tail cactus
During the growing season, cut plump modified stems from the golden rat tail cactus as cuttings, cutting them into small sections 8-10 cm long; they should not be too short, as too short makes rooting difficult. After drying in the air for 1-2 days, insert them into a sand bed or peat soil, not too deep, and the cutting medium should not be too wet; a water-holding capacity of 60-70% is suitable. About one month after insertion, they will root, and then they can be potted up. This method propagates relatively quickly and is commonly used in production.
For cuttings of the golden rat tail cactus, it is best to use columnar cacti as rootstock, and using upright, thick diamond-shaped cacti as rootstock gives even better results. Propagation is mainly by grafting, mostly carried out in spring or early summer. Use Opuntia ficus-indica, which has longer stem segments, or Selenicereus macdonaldiae as rootstock. It can also be propagated by cuttings, which root very easily.
During the growing season, cut plump modified stems from the tips as cuttings, 15-20 cm long; after the cut end dries slightly, insert them into a sand bed, and the cutting soil should not be too wet. About 50-60 days after insertion, they will root. When the roots are 2-3 cm long, transplant and pot them up. For grafting, mostly carried out in May-June, upright columnar cacti such as Opuntia ficus-indica and Selenicereus grandiflorus can be used as rootstock. Take 10 cm of the modified stem from the tip of the golden rat tail cactus as the scion; after grafting, it heals in about 50 days.
Golden rat tail cactus Borzicactus aureispina Golden rat tail cactus illustrated guide: how to grow the golden rat tail cactus / how to propagate the golden rat tail cactus
Golden rat tail cactus profileGolden rat tail cactus Borzicactus aureispina
How to grow the golden rat tail cactus and points to note Introduction to the golden rat tail cactus
The golden rat tail cactus is a perennial succulent plant of the Cactaceae family, with slender creeping stems densely covered with short yellow-brown spines. Young stems are bright green and later turn gray. The flowers are pink. The crested form of the golden rat tail cactus, also known as golden rat tail crest, is formed by the irregular growth and extension of the growing point of the golden rat tail cactus. It usually mutates into a wood-ear shape, cockscomb shape or wave shape, and the modified stems are densely covered with golden-yellow short hairy spines.
The stems are slender and cylindrical, 1.5-2.5 cm thick, up to 1.5 m tall, much branched, climbing or creeping and pendent, bright green, with 16-18 low ribs, covered with golden-yellow bristle-like fine spines. A single plant resembles the tail of a golden snub-nosed monkey, and as a whole looks like a gathering of snakes. The flowers are lateral, funnel-shaped, with pink inner tepals and orange-red outer tepals interspersed with bright red stripes,
The golden rat tail cactus likes a sunny and well-lit environment. It is tolerant of drought and semi-shade, and dislikes waterlogging. The suitable growing temperature is 20-25°C, and it can tolerate a low temperature of 4°C. It is robust in habit and has no special requirements for soil, growing well in ordinary flower-growing soil.
The flowering period of the golden rat tail cactus is April-June.
Morphological characteristics of the golden rat tail cactus
The golden rat tail cactus is a perennial succulent plant of the Cactaceae family. The stems are slender and cylindrical, 1.5-2.5 cm thick, up to 1.5 m tall, much branched, climbing or creeping and pendent, bright green, with 16-18 low ribs, covered with golden-yellow bristle-like fine spines. A single plant resembles the tail of a golden snub-nosed monkey, and as a whole looks like a gathering of snakes. The flowers are lateral, funnel-shaped, with pink inner tepals and orange-red outer tepals interspersed with bright red stripes,
The spines of the golden rat tail cactus are hard, slightly short, and golden in color. The flowers of the golden rat tail cactus are rose-red and it blooms easily; it can bloom continuously from the whole summer into autumn. The flower shape is similar to that of the Christmas cactus, but the flowers of the golden rat tail cactus are a bit larger, and the flowers keep blooming and do not close at night. The golden rat tail cactus is cross-pollinated, and the mature fruit hides among the soft spines.
The stems of the golden rat tail cactus are slender and creeping, usually twisted and pendent. In its place of origin it can reach up to 2 m long, and under ordinary cultivation 20-30 cm, with aerial roots. Young stems are green and later turn gray, 1.5-2 cm in diameter, leafless, with 10-14 ribs, bearing clusters of 15-20 short spines spaced 0.5 cm apart, initially slightly red and later turning yellow-brown; it gets its name because its appearance closely resembles a mouse tail. The flowers are funnel-shaped, pink, about 8 cm long and 7 cm in diameter, with acute tepals, opening by day and closing at night, and can last for one week. The berry is spherical, red, with bristles; the seeds are small and red-brown. The rat tail cactus has slender, twisted, pendent stems, deep green in color, with clusters of short spines arranged neatly, and the flower colors are bright and beautiful, making it an excellent indoor ornamental plant. Hanging the pot under the eaves with wire, or displaying it in front of a window in winter, gives an excellent ornamental effect.
When young, the golden rat tail cactus is bright green, later turning gray-green. It has 10-14 shallow ribs and 10-20 radial spines; new spines are red, later turning yellow to brown. It flowers in April-May, with zygomorphic pink flowers that open by day and close at night. The berry is spherical and red.
The golden rat tail cactus has 10-12 bristle-like radial spines; new spines are pale red, and old spines are yellow-brown. Its long modified stems closely resemble a mouse tail, which is very peculiar. The golden rat tail cactus generally flowers in April-May, and the pink flowers open by day and close at night, which is very interesting.
Ecological habits of the golden rat tail cactus
The golden rat tail cactus likes a warm, humid and sunny environment. It is not cold-tolerant, is tolerant of drought and semi-shade, and dislikes waterlogging. It likes fertile soil with good drainage and aeration, which can be made by mixing leaf mold, sand and loam.
The suitable growing temperature for the golden rat tail cactus is 20-25°C, and it can tolerate a low temperature of 4°C. It is robust in habit and has no special requirements for soil, growing well in ordinary flower-growing soil.
During the summer growing period, the golden rat tail cactus needs plenty of water, and should be misted frequently to maintain relatively high air humidity. Fertilize once a month. The overwintering temperature needs to be above 10°C.
When grown outdoors in midsummer, it needs appropriate shading. In winter, move it indoors, where it needs plenty of sunlight and reduced watering. The stems of the golden rat tail cactus are slender and creeping, with many branches; when potted, it needs a support frame, or it can be grown in a hanging basket. The whole plant must be pruned to maintain a graceful shape. During the growing period, in addition to sufficient watering, it should also be misted frequently to increase air humidity. In summer, pay attention to ventilation at the growing site, and it is best to place the plant in a semi-shaded spot outdoors. In winter, the potting soil should be kept appropriately moist, not completely dried out.
Cultivation techniques for the golden rat tail cactus Cultivation management
The golden rat tail cactus likes warm conditions with a large day-night temperature difference, humid summers and dry winters, and an environment with strong but short-duration light. It requires good drainage and dislikes waterlogging from rain. In the subtropical regions of South China it can be grown in the open ground; in other regions it can only be potted and overwintered indoors.
The potting soil is made by mixing equal amounts of leaf mold, sandy soil and loam, with a small amount of sesame paste residue and bone meal added as base fertilizer. When grown outdoors, it should be placed in a spot with plenty of light and shelter from rain; when grown indoors, a certain humidity should be maintained in summer, and long-term dryness must be avoided to prevent the modified stems from turning yellow and withering. In winter it should be relatively dry, with watering controlled. When watering, note that it should be watered thoroughly only after the soil has dried out; the soil must not be too wet, to avoid root rot. Especially after flower buds appear, water should be reduced further to avoid bud and flower drop. During the growing period, apply liquid fertilizer once every 10-15 days to promote lush growth and large, brightly colored flowers. Potted plants are generally moved indoors before Frost's Descent, and the room temperature should not be lower than 10°C; the time to move them outside should preferably be after Pure Brightness.
During the growing season, watering follows the principle of alternating dry and wet; apply a thin fertilizer once a month, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Long-term insufficient light is unfavorable for flowering, so it should often be placed in a sunny spot for care. In midsummer, shade appropriately, and in winter restrict watering and keep the potting soil slightly moist.
During the summer growing period, the golden rat tail cactus needs plenty of water, and should be misted frequently to maintain relatively high air humidity. Fertilize once a month. When grown outdoors in midsummer, it needs appropriate shading. In winter, move it indoors, where it needs plenty of sunlight and reduced watering. The rat tail cactus has slender, creeping and much-branched stems; when potted, it needs a support frame, or it can be grown in a hanging basket. The whole plant must be pruned to maintain a graceful shape.
Cultivation key points
Soil
Fertile, well-aerated sandy loam and forest soil; avoid waterlogged ground; tolerant of drought. Mixing soil for the golden rat tail cactus is relatively simple: perlite mixed with peat, with vermiculite and coal cinders added, in any proportion, with aeration as the main consideration.
Water
In summer it must not lack water; keep the potting soil moist and mist frequently to maintain humidity. In winter, water once every ten days, and be careful not to spray water onto the stem surface.
Sunlight
The golden rat tail cactus likes light and tolerates strong sunlight as well as semi-shade, but under long-term shade the stems grow thin and weak.
Fertilizer
Before potting the golden rat tail cactus, add decomposed organic fertilizer to the nutrient soil, and fertilize once a month during the growing season; do not fertilize during the winter and summer dormancy periods.
Temperature and watering
The golden rat tail cactus likes warm climatic conditions with a large day-night temperature difference, and is not cold-tolerant.
This variety of golden rat tail cactus is not very tolerant of intense sun exposure. During the growing period, water only after the soil has dried out, and give adult plants as little water as possible. Summer is the growing period for the golden rat tail cactus; the plant also needs slight shading and ventilation. During the high-temperature period from July to September, it is basically kept cool and ventilated, and from September to December water is also given only after the soil has dried out.
Throughout the cold winter, when the temperature is below 2°C, water can almost be withheld; at this time the golden rat tail cactus enters dormancy, and less water can also prevent frost damage and root rot caused by low temperatures. When the potting soil is dry, the golden rat tail cactus is relatively tolerant of low temperatures (do not let it go below 0°C
During the growing period, watering for the golden rat tail cactus is basically done only after the soil has dried out, and water is basically not poured over the top of the plant; with poor ventilation it also rots easily. In spring, watering must be gradual, paying attention to weather changes; the golden rat tail cactus is still relatively easy to care for.
How to grow the golden rat tail cactus Potted cultivation
During the summer growing period, it needs plenty of water, and should be misted frequently to maintain relatively high air humidity. Fertilize once a month. When grown outdoors in midsummer, it needs appropriate shading. In winter, move it indoors, where it needs plenty of sunlight and reduced watering. The rat tail cactus has slender, creeping and much-branched stems; when potted, it needs a support frame, or it can be grown in a hanging basket. The whole plant must be pruned to maintain a graceful shape.
When watering, note that it should be watered thoroughly only after the soil has dried out; the soil must not be too wet, to avoid root rot. Especially after flower buds appear, water should be reduced further to avoid bud and flower drop. During the growing period, apply liquid fertilizer once every 10-15 days to promote lush growth and large, brightly colored flowers. Potted plants are generally moved indoors before Frost's Descent, and the room temperature should not be lower than 10°C; the time to move them outside should preferably be after Pure Brightness. The golden rat tail cactus is susceptible to red spider mite damage, and the affected parts turn yellow-brown, affecting the ornamental effect. Therefore, special attention should be paid to ventilation in summer; it is best to place it outdoors for cultivation, and in the extreme heat of midsummer appropriate shading and cooling should be provided as a preventive measure.
Pest and disease control for the golden rat tail cactus
For the golden rat tail cactus, pay attention to controlling leaf spot disease, red spider mites and whiteflies.
The main pest of the golden rat tail cactus is the red spider mite, which can be prevented by regularly spraying dimethoate.
The main problem of the golden rat tail cactus is leaf spot disease; spot disease sometimes occurs on the stems and can be sprayed with a 600-fold dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder.
Propagation methods of the golden rat tail cactus
The golden rat tail cactus is mainly propagated by division, cuttings and grafting, and can also be grown from seed.
The commonly used method of cutting the top to promote branching is used for division propagation, carried out in spring and autumn. Cut 5-8 cm stem segments from adult plants, dry the cut ends, and they can be propagated by cuttings; 3-4 cm long stem segments can be used as scions for graft propagation.
Propagation by cuttings
During the growing season, cut plump modified stems from the golden rat tail cactus as cuttings, cutting them into small sections 8-10 cm long; they should not be too short, as too short makes rooting difficult. After drying in the air for 1-2 days, insert them into a sand bed or peat soil, not too deep, and the cutting medium should not be too wet; a water-holding capacity of 60-70% is suitable. About one month after insertion, they will root, and then they can be potted up. This method propagates relatively quickly and is commonly used in production.
For cuttings of the golden rat tail cactus, it is best to use columnar cacti as rootstock, and using upright, thick diamond-shaped cacti as rootstock gives even better results. Propagation is mainly by grafting, mostly carried out in spring or early summer. Use Opuntia ficus-indica, which has longer stem segments, or Selenicereus macdonaldiae as rootstock. It can also be propagated by cuttings, which root very easily.
During the growing season, cut plump modified stems from the tips as cuttings, 15-20 cm long; after the cut end dries slightly, insert them into a sand bed, and the cutting soil should not be too wet. About 50-60 days after insertion, they will root. When the roots are 2-3 cm long, transplant and pot them up. For grafting, mostly carried out in May-June, upright columnar cacti such as Opuntia ficus-indica and Selenicereus grandiflorus can be used as rootstock. Take 10 cm of the modified stem from the tip of the golden rat tail cactus as the scion; after grafting, it heals in about 50 days.
Propagation by grafting
Through grafting, a good pendent plant shape can be developed. Flat grafting and slant grafting can be used. The best time for grafting is May-September. The method is as follows: choose a branch of Pereskia that has not fully lignified, cut it off 2-3 cm from the branch, and whittle it into a cone about 1 cm long; insert the base of a young, green golden rat tail cactus stem into the pointed cut of the rootstock, without tying.
After grafting the golden rat tail cactus, pay attention to shading and controlling watering; humidity should not be too high, otherwise the graft will fail. After more than ten days, if the scion remains fresh and green, it has survived. Remove the ties, and then proceed with normal management. Grafted plants grow more robustly and faster than cutting-grown plants, and can produce 4-5 side branches or even more.
Variety classification of the golden rat tail cactus Plants of the same genus
Species in the same genus include Cleistocactus colademononis, Cleistocactus winteri and others, 7-8 in total, with slight differences in plant shape, stem thickness, flower color and flowering period.
Main varieties
There are about 7 species in the genus to which the golden rat tail cactus belongs, and those commonly cultivated include:
A.leptophis, with stems about 1 cm thick. It has 7-8 shallow ribs and 10-15 spines. The flowers are red.
A.conzatii, with stems 1-2.5 cm thick. It has 8-10 ribs and 15-20 spines. The flowers are brick red.
A.flagriformis, very similar to the golden rat tail cactus, but with thicker stems and fewer ribs, only 7-10, and yellow spines. The flowers are dark red.
Distribution area of the golden rat tail cactus
The golden rat tail cactus is native to the high-mountain desert regions of Mexico, with a few also distributed in the tropical dense forests of Mexico; it is now mainly distributed in Mexico and Central America.
The golden rat tail cactus is one of the earliest cactus species used for ornamental cultivation.
Uses of the golden rat tail cactus Ornamental value
The golden rat tail cactus is a perennial plant of the Cactaceae family with slender, soft stems. Its flower colors are gorgeous, and it can be grown as a hanging plant to form a peculiar landscape; it is a famous hanging cactus plant. It is suitable for beautifying the environment of living rooms, tea rooms, restaurants and so on, allowed to grow hanging freely to form a beautiful landscape.
Economic uses
The whip-like stems of the golden rat tail cactus are brilliantly golden and captivating, and the furry red flowers set off its beauty, making one feel uplifted and clear-headed. It is an excellent variety for balcony cultivation and home decoration, with high economic value.
Landscape uses of the golden rat tail cactus
The golden rat tail cactus is one of the earliest cactus species used for ornamental cultivation. Its long modified stems closely resemble a mouse tail, which is very peculiar.
The golden rat tail cactus flowers in April-May, and the pink flowers open by day and close at night, which is very interesting.
Cultural background and legends of the golden rat tail cactus
A beautiful elf who lived in the forest fell in love with a human she should not have loved. The one she admired was a king, and the king was also deeply fascinated by the elf. However, the passionate love of the forest elf had to be exchanged for life. In the end, the king held the elf tightly, and the two who loved each other deeply disappeared together in the blazing flames.
In addition, in ancient Europe there was a saying that if a golden rat tail cactus was grown in the home, poisonous toads would not dare to come near. Another saying was that to tell whether a household was prosperous or not, you only had to look at whether its golden rat tail cactus grew luxuriantly.
The flower language of the golden rat tail cactus
The flower language of the golden rat tail cactus: a warm family.
In ancient Europe, there was a saying that to tell whether a household was prosperous or not, you only had to look at whether its golden rat tail cactus grew luxuriantly. The whip-like stems of the golden rat tail cactus are brilliantly golden and captivating, and the furry red flowers set off its beauty, making one feel uplifted and clear-headed.
Golden rat tail cactus pictures
How to grow the succulent golden rat tail cactus
The golden rat tail cactus is a perennial succulent plant of the Cactaceae family. The stems are slender and cylindrical, 1.5-2.5 cm thick, up to 1.5 m tall, much branched, climbing or creeping and pendent, bright green, with 16-18 low ribs, covered with golden-yellow bristle-like fine spines. A single plant resembles the tail of a golden snub-nosed monkey, and as a whole looks like a gathering of snakes. The flowers are lateral, funnel-shaped, with pink inner tepals and orange-red outer tepals interspersed with bright red stripes; the flowering period is April-June. The flowers of the golden rat tail cactus are rose-red and it blooms easily; it can bloom continuously from the whole summer into autumn. The flower shape is similar to that of the Christmas cactus, but the flowers of the golden rat tail cactus are a bit larger, and the flowers keep blooming and do not close at night. The golden rat tail cactus is cross-pollinated, and the mature fruit hides among the soft spines. Below, the editor of Zuihua.com introduces the key points for growing the golden rat tail cactus:1. Temperature and light
It is not tolerant of sun exposure. Summer is the growing period for the golden rat tail cactus; the plant also needs slight shading and ventilation. During the high-temperature period from July to September it is basically kept cool and ventilated. In addition, when the potting soil is dry, it is relatively tolerant of low temperatures.
2. Watering
During the growing period, water only after the soil has dried out, and give adult plants as little water as possible. From September to December water is also given only after the soil has dried out. In addition, prevent water accumulation in the potting soil in summer. Throughout the cold winter, when the temperature is below 2°C, water can almost be withheld; at this time the golden rat tail cactus enters dormancy, and less water can also prevent frost damage and root rot caused by low temperatures. In spring, watering must be gradual, paying attention to weather changes. The golden rat tail cactus is still relatively easy to care for.
3. Growing soil
Perlite mixed with peat, with vermiculite and coal cinders added, in any proportion, with aeration as the main consideration.
4. Propagation
The golden rat tail cactus is mainly propagated by sowing and by division and cuttings, and there is also grafting.
5. Fertilization
Apply a thin fertilizer once a month, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. In addition, before potting, add decomposed organic fertilizer to the nutrient soil; do not fertilize during the winter and summer dormancy periods.
6. Pests and diseases
Pay attention to controlling leaf spot disease, red spider mites and whiteflies.
Summary: The above are the key points for growing the golden rat tail cactus introduced by Zuihua.com for everyone. In addition, the whip-like stems of the golden rat tail cactus are brilliantly golden and captivating, and the furry red flowers set off its beauty, making one feel uplifted and clear-headed; it is an excellent variety for balcony cultivation and home decoration.