Intermediate
skill rating
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X Heliaporus smithii (Hybrid rat's tail cactus)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.1m
Max height
Max height
1.2m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
X Heliaporus smithii
Other names
Hybrid rat's tail cactus, Aporocactus mallisonii, Aporocactus x mallisonii, Disocactus 'Smithii', Cereus smithii, Cereus mallisonii, Aporoheliocereus smithii
Genus
X Heliaporus X Heliaporus
Species
X H. smithii - X H. smithii is a tender, pendent, perennial cactus with stout, bright green, ribbed stems bearing brown spines and, in late spring and early summer, narrowly tubular, funnel-shaped, blue-flushed, red flowers, the outer petals narrow and reflexed, the inner petals wider and spreading.
X Heliaporus smithii is: Evergreen
Habit
Pendulous
Toxicity
Plant has spines; use extreme caution when handling.
Flower
Flushed blue, Red in Spring; Red, Flushed blue in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Mealybugs Mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Propagation
Sow seed at 27C as soon as ripe.
Propagation methods
Seed, Stem segments, Stem tip cuttings
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Where to grow
X Heliaporus smithii (Hybrid rat's tail cactus) will reach a height of 0.1m and a spread of 1.2m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Indoor
Cultivation
Grow under glass in acidic, epiphytic cactus compost in bright light and low humidity. In growth, water freely & feed every two weeks with a tomato-type fertiliser. Keep just moist in winter. Repot annually after flowering.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
X Heliaporus smithii
Other names
Hybrid rat's tail cactus, Aporocactus mallisonii, Aporocactus x mallisonii, Disocactus 'Smithii', Cereus smithii, Cereus mallisonii, Aporoheliocereus smithii
Genus
X Heliaporus X Heliaporus
Species
X H. smithii - X H. smithii is a tender, pendent, perennial cactus with stout, bright green, ribbed stems bearing brown spines and, in late spring and early summer, narrowly tubular, funnel-shaped, blue-flushed, red flowers, the outer petals narrow and reflexed, the inner petals wider and spreading.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Pendulous
Toxicity
Plant has spines; use extreme caution when handling.
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Colour
Flower
Flushed blue, Red in Spring; Red, Flushed blue in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Propagation
Sow seed at 27C as soon as ripe.
Propagation methods
Seed, Stem segments, Stem tip cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
X Heliaporus smithii (Hybrid rat's tail cactus) will reach a height of 0.1m and a spread of 1.2m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Indoor
Cultivation
Grow under glass in acidic, epiphytic cactus compost in bright light and low humidity. In growth, water freely & feed every two weeks with a tomato-type fertiliser. Keep just moist in winter. Repot annually after flowering.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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