Selenicereus testudo
Dog Tail Cactus
Description
Source: leafsnapSelenicereus testudo is a tropical perennial succulent native to tropical South America. Its trailing, long, skinny, tail-like stems have earned it the name Dog Tail Cactus, though it is often confused with the Rat Tail Cactus. The cylindrical stems are lined with small spines. These succulents are considered polymorphic because their stems appear to broaden, changing their shape to look different from the young. In the summer, the cacti may bloom with large, fragrant, white blooms that only appear during the night.
Care Guide
💧 Water Once a week
As an epiphytic cactus, the Dog Tail Cactus needs more water during the summer. Wait for the soil to dry before watering it once more to avoid wet conditions and root rot.
☀️ Light Full sun
Originating from arid regions, Strophocactus testudo does best in full sun, its native environment marked by intense sunlight and scarce shade. It will also tolerate partial sun, giving it some adaptability in its growth.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Strophocactus testudo does best in warm conditions and requires relatively high temperatures during the growing season to support growth and metabolic activity. It prefers plenty of sunlight, appropriate moisture, and good air circulation. However, it can be damaged by temperatures that are too low and by overwatering. It’s also important to maintain balance and avoid excessively high temperatures and overly dry conditions.
💨 Humidity dry (<40%)
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
🪴 Soil 0-0
🌱 Fertilizer
For Strophocactus testudo, small amounts of fertilizer applied 1-2 times a year during the growing season are enough. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Use less fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before you start fertilizing. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages blooms.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
The Dog Tail Cactus does not require pruning to support healthy growth.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Selenicereus
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 46 cm
- Mature Spread
- 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 15.24 cm to 20.32 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Tropical South America