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Dog Tail Cactus

Reviewed by: Kiersten Rankel | Last Updated: 11/20/2024

4.5 out of 5 (8 experiences)

Survivor

Fast grower

About Dog Tail Cactus

Dog Tail Cactus is a popular houseplant 🌿 that needs regular watering to thrive.

Plant parents describe this plant as being a survivor and a fast grower with a whopping 333 being grown with Greg around the world. Check out the reviews below for more details!🌟

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Deamia testudo

Genus

Deamia

Family

Cactaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Also known as

Deamia testudo and Strophocactus testudo

How to care for Dog Tail Cactus

💦 Water

How often to water your Dog Tail Cactus

Dog Tail Cactus needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Dog Tail Cactus in your home

Dog Tail Cactus may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Dog Tail Cactus in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Dog Tail Cactus

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Dog Tail Cactus: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Dog Tail Cactus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #DogTailCactus

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Dog Tail Cactus prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Dog Tail Cactus Water Frequency →

Dog Tail Cactus Root Rot →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Dog Tail Cactus is not known to cause harm to humans or pets. Regardless, if you, a family member, a cat, or dog has ingested any plant material, please consult a doctor or a veterinarian.

Is Dog Tail Cactus Edible? →

Dog Tail Cactus Toxicity to Cats →

Dog Tail Cactus Toxicity to Dogs →

Dog Tail Cactus Toxicity to Humans →

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Dog Tail Cactus can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Dog Tail Cactus Temperature Tolerance →

Dog Tail Cactus Hardiness Zones →

Landscaping Ideas with Dog Tail Cactus →

When to Plant Dog Tail Cactus →

How to Plant Dog Tail Cactus →

Where to Plant Dog Tail Cactus →

Winter Care for Dog Tail Cactus →

Best Companion Plants for Dog Tail Cactus →

Is Dog Tail Cactus a Weed? →

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.

Common Bugs Affecting Dog Tail Cactus →

What Eats Dog Tail Cactus? →

Care Summary for Dog Tail Cactus

Dog Tail Cactus

Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 3ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Survivor 5

Fast grower 3

Easy to propagate 2

Browns easily 1

Pest magnet 1

@@Tadison

25 Plants

894 XP

Lancaster, PA

05/16/2021

This this will not die. I am horrible at keep plants alive, and so far he has been THRIVING for almost 2 years. Honestly watered probably less than 20 times in 2 years.

Survivor