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Rattail Nipple Cactus

4.0 out of 5 (4 experiences)

Survivor

Blooms easily

Also known as

Fox-tail cactus and Rat-tail nipple cactus

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Mammillaria pottsii

Genus

Mammillaria

Family

Cactaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

How to care for Rattail Nipple Cactus

💦 Water

How often to water your Rattail Nipple Cactus

Rattail Nipple Cactus needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 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
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Rattail Nipple Cactus in your home

Rattail Nipple Cactus love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Rattail Nipple Cactus does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

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

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Rattail Nipple Cactus

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Rattail Nipple 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 Rattail Nipple Cactus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

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💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Rattail Nipple Cactus thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Rattail Nipple Cactus Water Frequency →

Rattail Nipple Cactus Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Rattail Nipple Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Rattail Nipple Cactus Light Requirements →

Rattail Nipple Cactus Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Rattail Nipple 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.

💨 Humidity

Rattail Nipple Cactus enjoys lots of humidity. Provide humidity for your plant by watering regularly and thoroughly, since plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves. They may also benefit from being placed next to a humidifier.

Rattail Nipple Cactus Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Rattail Nipple Cactus is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Rattail Nipple Cactus →

When and How to Successfully Repot Rattail Nipple Cactus →

💩 Fertilizer

Rattail Nipple Cactus grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Rattail Nipple Cactus →

❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Rattail Nipple Cactus to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.

🌎 Native Region

Rattail Nipple Cactus is native to the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Rattail Nipple Cactus grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

How and When to Prune Rattail Nipple Cactus →

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Rattail Nipple Cactus can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Rattail Nipple Cactus Temperature Tolerance →

🧐 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 Issues

Overwatering is a likely cause of issues with Rattail Nipple Cactus. These plants are very sensitive to wet soil so if you notice your plant becoming squishy or translucent, overwatering is the likely culprit.

Cut your plant just past where the rot ends and allow it to callus over for a few days before replanting it in fresh, dry soil. Download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!