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Basic Info
Cleistocactus Winteri is also known as the ‘Golden Rat Tail’. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to around 1 m (40″) long and about 2.5 cm (1″) in diameter. The plants main feature are the thick green stem covered by white hair. When it flowers you can expect it to produce pink to red flowers.
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Echinocereeae
Genus: Cleistocactus
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Cleistocactus Winteri ‘Golden Rat Tail’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care off. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Golden Rat Tail healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Cleistocactus Winteri ‘Golden Rat Tail’
This succulent type is perhaps best-known for its interesting look. When it continues growing you can expect it to look stunning.
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows 1 m (40″) tall
- Grows up to 2,5 cm (1″) wide
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 9a-11b -6.7 °C (20 F)
- Best propagated by seeds
- Flowers orange to salmon-pink
Where to Plant
Cleistocactus Winteri ‘Golden Rat Tail’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 9a-11b which is around -6.7 °C (20 °F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Golden Rat Tail in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
How to Propagate Cleistocactus Winteri ‘Golden Rat Tail’
Golden Rat Tail Cactus can be propagated by seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
How to Propagate Cleistocactus Winteri ‘Golden Rat Tail’ Using Seeds
This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.
Origin and Habitat
The Golden Rat Tail is native to Bolivia mostly around Santa Cruiz.
