Cleistocactus Tarantula Cactus - Rat Tail Cactus

How to Grow

This variety of cactus makes an eye-catching display in a hanging planter. Along with the spiny hairs, it also produces spun white hairs that resemble cobwebs. The cactus may get as long as 3 feet per stem in its native habitat, but will be smaller in the home situation. Broken stems can be callused off and planted in spring to create new plants. They are also propagated by seed, but it takes many years before the plant is mature. Most gardeners simply purchase one and put it in a sunny window, thereby forgetting it for long periods of time. This is ok, since the plant really only needs watering about once per month in the growing season.

Caring

In addition to watering once per month, the most important element of any potted succulent is the soil and drainage. Use a cactus potting soil or a mixture of 2 parts sand and 1 part loam in an unglazed pot with plenty of unobstructed drainage holes. Fertilize in spring and summer once per month with a balanced fertilizer. Cease both watering and feeding once the plant goes dormant in winter. Another aspect of caring for tarantula cacti is repotting. Repot the cactus every other year to keep up with its fast-growing needs. The tarantula cactus plant is a strong performer and will thrive for years with minimum effort on your part.