The scientific name for Mouse Tail Cactus is Rhipsalis horrida. Its long and densely stemmed spines resemble a mouse tail! The plant originates in Central South Africa, belongs to the family of Cactaceae, and can grow up to a height of 6 inches. The growth slows down in the winter season, making the plant winter dormant. 

Growth Rate

While the plant grows fairly quickly, ensure that it is repotted every year once the growing season is over and the flowers have bloomed to their fullest. 

Flowering

Be ready to see the growth of red, pink, and orange-colored flowers that are about 0.2 inches in diameter during the summer and spring seasons. 

Watering and Feeding

Mouse tail cactus have little to no watering needs. All you need to take care of is that you water them sparingly from time to time. Every 2 to 4 weeks, feed them with a balanced and general-purpose fertilizer during their growing months.

Soil

You will be required to create a gritty and acidic soil mix. Use two parts peat moss and one part sand. Mix it with bark chips to promote drainage. 

Hardiness

Rhipsalis horrida has a frost tolerance of anywhere between -3.9° C (25° F) to 10° C (50° F). The hardiness ranges from 9b to 11b.

Light

Even though Rhipsalis horrida needs partial sunlight for growth, make sure the number of hours that the plant is exposed to sunlight is ample. 

Propagation

The most common way of propagation for Rhipsalos horrida is vegetative propagation. Propagation is also possible through division. 

Now that you know that this plant is unseemingly long, you can try displaying it in a hanging basket in or around your favorite place at home.

Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz

Blooming Season	Early spring to late summer
Common Name	Mouse Tail Cactus
Dormancy	fall and winter
Family	Cactaceae
Flower	whitish-grey to red
Frost Tolerance	10 °C
Growth Rate	Medium
Hardiness Zone	9b to 11b
Height	50 cm
Origin	Madagascar
Pot Size	3.5"
Scientific Name	Rhipsalis horrida
Shape	-
Sun Exposure	Partial to full sun