BellinaA December Surprise: My Rat Tail Cactus Story
I’ve always been drawn to the unusual, the striking, and the slightly unexpected, especially when it comes to cacti. For years, I’ve admired the Golden Monkey Tail and its snowy sibling, the White Monkey Tail (Cleistocactus colademononis), with their wild, trailing stems like something out of a desert fairytale. But the day I met the Rat Tail Cactus, everything changed.
It happened in December, midway through filming content for my holiday Vlog series. You know how it goes. Capturing video, narrating care tips, listing prices. Sometimes it’s hard to really see the plants right in front of you. I had just passed the cactus and succulent section at Woodhill Nursery and was already drifting toward the tropicals when something caught my eye. My plant-shopping buddy was holding a peculiar little cactus, its long, slender stems spilling over her hand like soft green cords.
“Where did you get that?” I asked, my voice probably a little more excited than necessary.
It was a Rat Tail Cactus, smaller and more understated than its monkey-tailed cousins but no less enchanting. Miraculously, there was one more left, tucked behind some aloe and euphorbia. I couldn’t believe I’d almost missed it.
I scooped it up without hesitation. Looking back now, that chilly day just before Christmas turned out to be one of my favorite plant moments of the year. Woodhill Nursery, which I rarely visit, instantly earned a permanent place on my must-visit list. It reminded me that sometimes, when you break your usual rules, like slowly combing every aisle, you stumble across magic.
Fast forward a year and a half, and my little Rat Tail has settled in nicely. It’s a slow grower, but that’s expected. My home is bright, but this cactus taught me a valuable lesson. It prefers bright light. Not having full sun caused a little stretching during last winter, so next season, I’m stepping up my game. Grow lights are going in, 12 hours a day to mimic those ideal sunny conditions.
I haven’t repotted it yet, but when I do, it’ll go into a fast-draining mix. Cactus soil amended with plenty of perlite. The key is to let the soil dry completely between waterings. Overwatering? A definite no. Root rot is not part of the plan.
Feeding is also part of my winter routine. A diluted weekly fertilizer keeps the Rat Tail Cactus growing even in the colder months, especially under grow lights, which add a bit of warmth. Just enough to keep it cozy and thriving.
December is still one of my favorite times to create content. Not because it’s overtly festive, but because it feels like a gift to share this kind of discovery. The Rat Tail Cactus was a perfect, unexpected holiday surprise. It’s now a cherished part of my collection.
🌵 Rat Tail Cactus Care Summary
Light: Bright light, prefers morning sun.
Water: Water thoroughly once the soil has dried completely. Avoid overwatering.
Soil: Use well-draining cactus mix with added perlite.
Fertilizer: Feed weekly in winter with a diluted balanced fertilizer if under grow lights.
Temperature: Keep warm during winter. Grow lights can provide supplemental heat.
Growth Tip: Use grow lights 12 hours per day in winter to prevent stretching and promote healthy growth.
