How to Grow Golden Rat Tail Cactus in Australia – From Trailing Stems to Spectacular Blooms

The Golden Rat Tail Cactus (Cleistocactus winteri) is a striking trailing cactus prized for its cascading golden-orange stems and eye-catching spring flowers. Native to the mountainous regions of Bolivia, it thrives in bright, dry conditions and makes an impressive display in hanging baskets, wall planters, or raised containers where its stems can flow freely. In Australia, it’s a popular choice for both indoor cactus collections and sunny outdoor patios. What makes the Golden Rat Tail so unique is its rapid growth compared to many other cacti, producing long, rope-like stems covered in soft, golden spines. In spring and early summer, it bursts into bloom with vibrant orange or salmon-pink tubular flowers that last several days, attracting pollinators and adding tropical colour to any garden space.

Golden Rat Tail Cactus Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Requires bright, direct sunlight for several hours daily to maintain compact, vibrant stems. Indoors, position near a north-facing (in QLD/NT) or west-facing (southern states) window, or outdoors in full sun with light afternoon protection in extreme heat.
Soil: Prefers a fast-draining cactus and succulent potting mix. Add coarse sand or perlite to enhance aeration and prevent waterlogging. Hanging baskets benefit from extra drainage holes.
Climate: Best grown in warm, frost-free climates. In cooler regions of Australia, keep potted plants indoors or in a greenhouse during winter, as temperatures below 5°C can damage stems.

With the right location and care, the Golden Rat Tail Cactus rewards growers with fast, healthy growth and dazzling blooms that spill over containers in dramatic style.

148184609_3867044203348239_5022504018989442530_n (1)

481454755_4013518572300197_9118692742516935056_n

Golden Rat Tail Cactus Fertiliser – What to Use & When to Feed

Although tough and drought-tolerant, the Golden Rat Tail Cactus produces its best growth and flowering when given a consistent feeding routine. The right fertiliser helps develop thick, sturdy stems, vibrant spine colour, and an abundance of blooms.

Best Fertiliser for Golden Rat Tail Cactus (In-Ground vs Pots)
– In-Ground Plants: Use a slow-release cactus fertiliser with a low-nitrogen ratio like 2-7-7, enriched with potassium and magnesium for flowering strength. Apply once in early spring and again in midsummer.
– Potted Plants: Feed every 4 weeks during spring and summer with Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7). This liquid concentrate delivers quick nutrient uptake, ensuring healthy growth and maximum flower production.

When Should You Fertilise Golden Rat Tail Cactus in Australia?
– Spring (Sept–Nov): Start feeding as soon as warmer weather triggers new stem growth. This is also the period when flower buds begin forming.
– Summer (Dec–Feb): Continue regular feeding to sustain flowering and stem elongation.
– Autumn (Mar–May): Apply one final feed to strengthen stems before cooler months.
– Winter (Jun–Aug): Avoid fertilising; the plant rests during cooler, lower-light periods.

For stunning trailing stems and prolific flowering, Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate provides the perfect balance of nutrients for Golden Rat Tail Cactus.

38097523_285669218830250_5242711134770823168_n (1)

491517639_18003724238773391_8285030647651715079_n (1)

Common Golden Rat Tail Cactus Problems & How Proper Fertilising Prevents Them

The Golden Rat Tail Cactus is generally low-maintenance, but a few issues can arise if growing conditions or nutrition are off. Correct feeding and care will prevent most of these:

1. Weak or Thin Stems
Often caused by insufficient sunlight or overwatering. A balanced cactus fertiliser supports firm, healthy growth, but light levels must also be high.

2. Pale or Faded Stem Colour
A sign of potassium or magnesium deficiency. Regular feeding with a trace element-rich cactus fertiliser restores vibrant colour and spine density.

3. No Flowers
Usually linked to excess nitrogen or too little light. Switch to a low-nitrogen formula like 2-7-7 and ensure at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight.

4. Rot at Stem Base
Caused by waterlogged soil. Well-draining mix and careful watering, especially in cooler months, are essential.

5. Overly Long, Weak Growth (Etiolation)
Occurs when grown in low light. Relocate to a sunnier position and maintain a seasonal fertilising schedule to encourage sturdy growth.

*Avoid heavy feeding during winter or when the plant is dormant, as this can cause root and stem stress.*

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Rat Tail Cactus

How fast does a Golden Rat Tail Cactus grow?
In ideal conditions, stems can grow 30–60cm per year, especially when fed with a balanced cactus fertiliser during spring and summer.

When will my Golden Rat Tail Cactus flower?
Mature plants typically flower in spring or early summer when they receive plenty of sunlight and are fed with a potassium-rich fertiliser.

Can I grow Golden Rat Tail Cactus indoors?
Yes, provided it receives several hours of bright, direct light daily. A sunny window or grow light is essential to maintain healthy stems.

How often should I water it?
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.

What is the best fertiliser for Golden Rat Tail Cactus?
Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7) is ideal, providing the right balance of nutrients for both healthy stem growth and prolific flowering.