With its cascading stems covered in soft, golden spines, Golden Rat Tail Cactus is one of the most visually striking members of the cactus family. Its common name comes from the plant’s long, trailing stems that resemble the tail of a golden-furred rat—slender, textured, and slightly fuzzy in appearance. The golden color comes from the dense layer of fine, bristle-like spines that cover the stem surface, giving the plant a luminous, warm-toned glow when caught in the light.
Scientifically classified as Cleistocactus winteri subsp. colademononis, this cactus is native to the mountainous regions of Bolivia, where it naturally grows along rocky cliffs and outcrops. In its native habitat, it thrives as an epilithic plant—clinging to rocks and letting its stems spill downward in dramatic, trailing formations. This growth habit makes it especially well-suited for hanging baskets or elevated containers, where it can mimic the way it grows in the wild.
Golden Rat Tail Cactus can grow several feet in length over time, producing thick, rope-like stems that form dense, tangled mats. During the blooming season, it occasionally produces vivid reddish-orange flowers that add a splash of color to its otherwise golden-green display. Though its blooms are relatively short-lived, the overall texture and form of the plant make it a standout choice for cactus collectors and houseplant enthusiasts alike
Can Golden Rat Tail Cactus grow outdoors?
Golden Rat Tail Cactus (Cleistocactus winteri subsp. colademononis) can grow outdoors, but whether it will thrive really depends on your local climate. Native to the warm, arid regions of Bolivia, this cactus is well-suited to outdoor life in areas that mimic its natural habitat—hot temperatures, low humidity, and plenty of sunlight.
In places like Southern California, Arizona, or other regions within USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, the Golden Rat Tail can live outdoors year-round. It does particularly well in full sun but also appreciates some afternoon shade in extremely hot environments to prevent sunburn. Outdoor plants tend to grow larger and bloom more reliably, thanks to the increased exposure to natural light and seasonal changes.
However, this cactus is not frost-tolerant. In colder regions where winter temperatures dip below 30°F, it’s best to grow it in a pot. That way, you can enjoy it outdoors during the warmer months and bring it inside when the temperature drops. The same goes for areas with frequent rainfall or high humidity—conditions that can lead to root rot if the soil doesn’t dry out properly.
General care
Lighting
Golden Rat Tail Cactus loves light—and lots of it. In fact, lighting plays a huge role in how healthy it grows and how often it blooms. Whether grown indoors or outdoors, this cactus thrives best with bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day. This plant needs consistent bright light to maintain its compact, trailing form and to encourage flowering. When given the lighting it craves, you’ll notice faster growth, healthier stems, and an abundance of vivid pink blooms during the growing season.
Outdoors, it does best in full sun to partial shade. In most warm, arid climates, placing it where it receives morning to early afternoon sun works beautifully. If you’re in an especially hot or dry region, like the southwestern U.S., offering a bit of protection from the harshest afternoon rays can help prevent sun scorch, especially on younger plants. That said, Golden Rat Tail is generally quite sun-tolerant once it’s established and acclimated.
Indoors, finding enough light can be trickier, but it’s still totally doable. A bright south- or west-facing window is the best spot, where the plant can soak up strong natural light for most of the day. If natural light is limited—especially during winter—consider supplementing with a grow light to keep the plant happy. Without enough light, the stems may grow thin and stretched out, a sign the cactus is trying to reach for more sunlight.
Watering
Like most cacti, this plant is highly drought-tolerant and prefers its soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is one of the most common issues that can lead to root rot and stem damage, so a cautious approach is key.
During the active growing season—typically spring through early fall—water the plant thoroughly but infrequently. Allow the water to soak through the soil and drain out the bottom of the pot, and then wait until the soil is bone dry before watering again. Depending on your climate, this might mean watering every 10 to 14 days. In hot, dry conditions, the soil may dry out more quickly and require slightly more frequent watering, especially if the plant is grown outdoors.
In winter, Golden Rat Tail enters a semi-dormant period and its water needs decrease significantly. At this time, water sparingly—about once every 3 to 4 weeks, or even less if your indoor environment is cool and dry. The goal during the colder months is to keep the roots just barely hydrated without encouraging new growth.
Always take cues from the soil rather than sticking to a rigid schedule. If the soil still feels moist, hold off. And if the stems look soft or discolored, it might be a sign that the roots are sitting in too much moisture.
Soil and Fertilizer
Golden Rat Tail Cactus thrives in a soil environment that closely mimics its native habitat—well-draining, gritty, and low in organic matter. This type of soil ensures that water doesn’t linger around the roots for too long, which is crucial for preventing rot and other moisture-related issues.
For potted plants, a commercial cactus or succulent mix works well on its own, but you can enhance drainage further by adding extra materials like coarse sand, perlite, or pumice. The goal is to create a loose, airy texture that dries quickly after watering. If you’re growing it in the ground outdoors, make sure the planting site has excellent drainage. In clay-heavy or compact soils, consider amending the area with sand or gravel, or opt for a raised bed.
As for feeding, Golden Rat Tail isn’t a heavy feeder, but it does appreciate a little boost during its growing season. From spring through early fall, you can fertilize once a month with a diluted liquid cactus fertilizer or a balanced, low-nitrogen formula. This encourages strong, healthy growth and supports flowering. Avoid fertilizing in late fall and winter, when the plant naturally slows down and doesn’t require extra nutrients.
Temperature and Humidity
Golden Rat Tail Cactus is well-suited to warm, arid environments and generally thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. It handles heat with ease, especially when planted in a spot with good airflow and well-draining soil. In fact, warm weather encourages vigorous growth and even promotes blooming during the active growing season.
However, this cactus is not frost-tolerant. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40°F can lead to tissue damage or root rot, especially if the soil is damp. In regions where winters dip below freezing, it's best to grow Golden Rat Tail in containers that can be brought indoors during colder months. When kept indoors, placing the plant in a warm, bright room away from cold drafts is ideal.
As for humidity, Golden Rat Tail prefers a dry environment, much like its native desert climate. High humidity can increase the risk of rot or fungal issues, particularly if paired with poor air circulation or overly moist soil. Indoors, it does just fine in average household humidity. If you live in a humid region, make sure the plant is not overcrowded and has plenty of airflow around its stems to prevent moisture from building up.
Toxicity
Golden Rat Tail Cactus is considered non-toxic to humans and pets, which makes it a relatively safe choice for households with children or animals. However, while the plant itself doesn't contain harmful substances, it’s still important to be cautious around it—especially with pets or curious toddlers.
The main concern isn’t toxicity but the physical structure of the plant. Golden Rat Tail has fine, hair-like spines that can easily stick to skin or fur and cause mild irritation. These spines aren’t as sharp or dangerous as those on some other cacti, but they can be uncomfortable if touched. It’s best to handle the plant with care—using gloves when repotting or pruning—and to keep it out of high-traffic areas where people or pets might brush against it.
Extra Care
Potting and Repotting
When it comes to potting Golden Rat Tail Cactus, choosing the right container and soil setup is key to supporting its growth and overall health. This cactus grows fairly quickly, especially during the warm months, and tends to produce long, trailing stems that spill over the sides of its pot. For this reason, shallow hanging baskets or wide, low containers work particularly well, allowing the stems to cascade naturally without crowding the plant’s base. The pot should have at least one good drainage hole, and terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots are excellent choices because they allow moisture to evaporate more easily than plastic.
As for repotting, Golden Rat Tail typically benefits from a fresh setup every two to three years. Signs that it’s time to repot include roots poking through drainage holes, soil that no longer dries out efficiently, or a plant that seems top-heavy or overcrowded. The best time to repot is in spring, just as the plant enters its active growing season. Always handle the plant gently—its spines may be soft to the eye, but they can still cause irritation. When repotting, choose a container that’s just slightly larger than the previous one. Too much extra space can lead to moisture retention in the soil, which this cactus won’t appreciate.
Pruning
You don’t have to prune Golden Rat Tail Cactus often, but occasional trimming can help maintain its appearance and encourage healthier, fuller growth. Since this cactus tends to grow long, slender stems that trail over time, pruning can also prevent it from looking too sparse or leggy.
The best time to prune is in early spring, right before the growing season kicks in. This gives the plant plenty of time to recover and produce new stems. Use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors, and make sure to wear gloves—while the spines may look soft, they can still irritate your skin.
When trimming, focus on removing any damaged, shriveled, or overly long stems. If a stem looks unhealthy or is crowding the plant, snipping it off can redirect the cactus’s energy to healthier growth. You can also prune to control the shape—especially if it’s growing too long for your space or becoming unbalanced in its container.
Propagation
Golden Rat Tail Cactus typically does not produce offsets like some other cacti, so the most reliable method to propagate this cactus is through stem cuttings, and it works best during the plant’s active growing season, typically spring or early summer.
To get started, choose a healthy, mature stem and use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off a segment—about 4 to 6 inches long is ideal. After cutting, it’s important to let the segment dry out for several days in a warm, shaded spot. This drying period allows the cut end to callous over, which helps prevent rot when planted.
Once the cut end has fully calloused, plant the stem upright in a small pot filled with dry, well-draining cactus or succulent soil. You don’t need to water right away—wait a few days to give the cutting time to settle. Then, water lightly and keep the soil barely moist until you see signs of new growth, which usually means roots are forming. After that, you can gradually shift to your regular cactus care routine.
Blooming
Typically blooming usually happens in late spring through summer. Flowers are tubular and a vivid reddish-orange to salmon-pink in color. They can grow several inches long and usually appear along the sides of the stems rather than at the tips. Each flower only lasts a few days, but mature plants often bloom repeatedly throughout the season, putting on a spectacular display.
To encourage blooming, it’s important to mimic the plant’s natural seasonal rhythm. This means giving it a cool, dry rest period in the winter—keeping it in a bright spot with minimal watering. During the growing season, consistent sunlight, well-draining soil, and light feeding can help trigger flowering.
Indoors, blooming can be a bit more unpredictable, especially if the cactus isn’t receiving enough direct sunlight. But given the right conditions and a little patience, Golden Rat Tail Cactus can reward growers with its uniquely beautiful blossoms that brighten up any hanging basket or outdoor space.
Common Problems
One of the biggest concerns for Golden Rat Tail is root rot, which is often caused by too much moisture or poorly draining soil. Because this cactus stores water in its stems, it’s especially sensitive to soggy conditions. If the base becomes mushy or discolored, or if the stems start to collapse, it’s usually a sign of rot. To prevent this, always let the soil dry out thoroughly between waterings and make sure your pot has drainage holes.
Insufficient light is another common issue. When Golden Rat Tail Cactus doesn’t get enough sun, its stems can become pale, thin, and elongated—a condition called etiolation. This weakens the plant’s structure and overall health. To avoid this, place it in a location with bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day, especially if it’s grown indoors.
Pests can also be a nuisance, particularly mealybugs and spider mites. These pests tend to hide in the crevices between stems and can be identified by white, cottony patches or fine webbing. If caught early, you can remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Finally, a lack of flowering can be frustrating for growers. This usually results from insufficient light, lack of a proper winter dormancy period, or underfeeding during the growing season. Making sure the plant gets a rest period in cooler months and providing it with enough light and nutrients in spring and summer can help encourage blooming.
