Description Mouse Tail Cactus Care Guide FAQ/Common Issues Selenicereus anthonyanus, also called Mouse Tail Cactus, is an epiphytic cactus from the Rhipsalis genus native to tropical rainforests. Unlike desert cacti that grow in dry soil, this trailing jungle cactus anchors itself to tree branches and grows well in filtered light and humidity, making it suitable for warm indoor spaces. The plant produces long, slender, cylindrical stems covered in soft, hair-like bristles that cascade as they grow. The stems are mid-green and resemble tiny mouse tails, giving the plant its whimsical common name. Selenicereus anthonyanus has a distinctly bohemian, sculptural quality. Selenicereus anthonyanus is not primarily grown for its flowers, but given a nighttime temperature drop in winter, it will produce small blooms along its trailing stems. The flowers are subtle rather than showy, and cooler nights are the key trigger to encourage them to appear. Hang it in a macrame holder near a kitchen window for bright indirect light and ambient moisture, or move it outside for summer in a sheltered spot away from rain. You can leave it up to ten days without water. Selenicereus anthonyanus is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it can hang at any height without worry. Mouse Tail Cactus grows well in bright indirect light or partial sun and will scorch in intense south-facing windows. Water it every 10 to 14 days during the growing season, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings. Selenicereus anthonyanus does best in a chunky, well-draining cactus soil blended with perlite or orchid bark for added aeration. It prefers temperatures between 60 and 80°F and should be kept away from air conditioning vents and heater drafts. Selenicereus anthonyanus is a moderate grower and benefits from a balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly through spring and summer. It is hardy in USDA Zones 10 to 11, tolerating minimum temperatures down to about 30°F before frost damage occurs. It grows outdoors year-round in Hawaii, southern Florida, and the warmest pockets of Southern California, Arizona, and South Texas. Gardeners across the rest of the country, including Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, Alabama, Mississippi, New Mexico, and beyond, can enjoy it outdoors through summer and bring it inside before temperatures drop. Q: Is Mouse Tail Cactus pet friendly? A: It is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Q: What window direction works best for this plant? A: Mouse Tail Cactus can scorch in direct south-facing sun, so place it in a north or east-facing window, or 3 to 4 feet away from a bright window in any direction. Q: How do I propagate Selenicereus anthonyanus? A: Snap off a healthy stem segment, let the cut end callous for a day or two, then lay it on moist cactus mix until roots develop. It roots readily. Q: Why are the stems turning yellow? A: Yellowing is most commonly caused by overwatering or exposure to cold air from AC or heating vents. Reduce watering frequency and move it away from any direct airflow. Q: What winter conditions trigger blooms on Mouse Tail Cactus? A: Nighttime temperatures around 50 to 55°F for several weeks will trigger flowering. Avoid overwatering during this rest period for the best results. Q: How long can it go without water? A: Mouse Tail Cactus can go up to ten days without water during the growing season.
