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Strophocactus testudo (Dog Tail Cactus)

Dog Tail Cactus, Pitaya de Tortuga, Selenicereus testudo, Cereus miravallensis, Cereus pterogonus , Cereus testudo, Deamia diabolica, Deamia testudo, Selenicereus miravallensis

Strophocactus testudo, Dog Tail Cactus, Pitaya de Tortuga, Selenicereus testudo, Cereus miravallensis, Cereus pterogonus , Cereus testudo, Deamia diabolica, Deamia testudo, Selenicereus miravallensis

Strophocactus testudo (Dog Tail Cactus) is a climbing or trailing cactus with long, skinny, tail-like, trailing stems. It grows on the ground but is also epiphytic and can grow on trees and branches. In summer or early fall, showy, fragrant white flowers, 6-12 in. across (15-30 cm) open during the night. The blossoms are followed by spherical, spiny fruits, up to 2 in. in diameter (5 cm). Easy to grow, this trailing cactus is perfect for hanging planters and containers. It can be grown as a houseplant, but also grows well outdoors in frost-free climates where it can be used as a groundcover. Drought and humidity tolerant, Dog Tail Cactus is reported to be cold-hardy down to 25°F (-4°C) for short periods.

  • Grows up to 8-10 ft. long (240-300 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
  • Easily grown in mesic, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Water moderately when in growth. Make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings. Drought tolerant.
  • Benefits from regular feeding of diluted fertilizer during the growing season if your Dog Tail Cactus becomes root-bound.
  • Propagate by stem cuttings. Allow cut end to callous over for 24-48 hours before planting in a well draining potting medium.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Susceptible to fungal diseases if over-watered.
  • Native to Tropical South America.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Houseplants, Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Cactaceae
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 24" (30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets
How Many Plants
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Houseplants, Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Cactaceae
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 24" (30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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