Nine-Tailed Fox is a succulent plant belonging to the genus *Echinochloa* in the cactus family . It has relatively long stems covered with soft spines and white fuzz, resembling the long tail of an animal like a fox, hence its name. So how do you care for a Nine-Tailed Fox succulent? Let's find out below.
1. Potting soil selection
Choosing suitable soil and pots is crucial for the cultivation of the nine-tailed fox succulent. Tall pots or hanging pots are best, allowing it to cascade down for easier growth. However, it doesn't have high requirements for the soil mix; as long as it's loose, well-draining, and aerated, it will suffice. For example, a mix of cinders, leaf mold, and coarse river sand, or coarse river sand, garden soil, and cinders are all suitable.
2. Light and temperature management
Nine-tailed foxes love bright sunlight, so they should be placed in plenty of sunlight. Except for summer when direct sunlight should be avoided, they can tolerate full sun in other seasons, needing at least six hours of sunlight daily. The temperature should be kept between 15°C and 28°C.
3. Watering tips
As a member of the cactus family, the nine-tailed fox cactus is very drought-tolerant, so watering should be done sparingly. During the peak growing seasons of spring and autumn, it can be watered about once a week or every 10 days. In summer, watering should be reduced to prevent the roots from being damaged by high temperature and humidity. In winter, when the temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius, watering can be stopped, and normal care can be resumed once the temperature rises.
4. Apply fertilizer appropriately
Because the stems of the nine-tailed fox vine are extremely long and it also flowers, its fertilizer requirements are relatively high. Generally, potassium dihydrogen phosphate or slow-release fertilizer (low nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium) can be used. For the former, dilute with water at a ratio of 1:1000 and water the roots during the growing season, about once every two weeks. For the latter, simply sprinkle 20-30 granules directly onto the soil surface.
5. Prune appropriately
The succulent 'Nine-Tailed Fox' grows relatively slowly, so it doesn't require frequent pruning. However, if you notice unhealthy leaf growth or wilting during its growth, you can prune it appropriately.
