Monkey Tail Cactus Care and Growing Tips

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Care Guide

If you want to have a furry trailing beauty in your garden, grow a Monkey tail cactus! Here is a detailed guide just for you. Read along.

No, it is not actually a Monkey Tail, but it sure looks like one, and that’s what makes it unique! Plus, it is one good option for vertical garden ideas because not only the hairy white stems but also the attractive blooms claim to amaze every admirer. So, let’s learn everything about it!


Monkey Tail Cactus- Key Facts

Common NamesMonkey Tail Cactus,
Botanical NameCleistocactus colademononis
Hildewintera colademononis (formerly)
OriginSouth America
Plant TypeEvergreen Cactus
DimensionTails can grow up to
8 feet long
Indoor/OutdoorBoth
SunlightFull to Partial Sunlight
SoilSandy/ Porous
TemperatureCan tolerate up to 28 F
WateringModerate
Blooming PeriodSpring-Summer
Flower ColorsRed, Pink, Orange
ToxicityNone
USDA Zones9-11

Plant Information

The Monkey Tail cactus is a unique species that displays long cascading stems that are covered with vigorous white hairy spines! But do you know that despite looking furry it has a purpose to protect the stems from harsh sun rays as well? Yes, a pretty interesting characteristic for a fuzzy desert fellow.

Besides, this perennial is endemic to the regions of Florida, Bolivia, Samaipata, and Cerro El Fraile Mountain. It can grow up to 8 feet in length and produce beautiful bright red, tubular flowers emerging from the upper part of the stems. This contrasts beautifully with the stems for a nice visual treat!

The flowers generally bloom during the spring-summer season and can keep blooming till the beginning of fall under the right care and maintenance.


Pot Size

You can use a medium to large pot size depending on the size of your plant, because the roots take up less space per plant ratio. Again, if you want to use a larger pot, you can use a shallow pot, otherwise, the extra soil will retain a lot of water and can gradually lead to root rot!

Additionally, using a sturdy one will keep your pot from tipping over because the stems will drape over the edges of the pot growing as much as a foot each year and the weight can easily flip the pot.


Propagation

Stem Cuttings

The easiest and most effective way of getting more Monkey Tails in your garden is—Stem cuttings. Just take a clean sharp cutter or pruning shears to snip off a section from a healthy stem. Let it dry for a few days (4-5 days). This shall develop a callous at the cut end, that is when you know it is time to plant the cutting.

Prepare a nice succulent potting mix and make it moist beforehand by spraying some water and planting the cutting. Keep the pot in an airy and bright spot with abundant indirect light. Water sparingly whenever the top inch layer of the soil feels dry.


Growing Requirements

Sunlight

Sunlight is what will keep this attractive garden specimen alive so never compromise it! Bright, indirect light or partial sunlight is just the perfect condition. If your cactus is indoors try placing it near a south or west-facing window where it will receive plenty of light but just use a sheer curtain to filter out the harsh sun rays.

Water

It prefers to stay on the dry side like all the other cacti. Just during the active growing season, it requires a certain amount of water. But when watering make sure the soil is dry and excess water drains freely from the drainage hole.

In the dormant season aka the winter months, you need to reduce the watering. Once a month works great because this is a time when you need to keep away any kind of danger that comes with overwatering!

Pro Tip: Always let the soil dry out between your watering sessions and check the soil by sticking your fingers up to 2 inches deep before pouring water.

Soil

A typical cactus potting mixture is just the right growing medium. Additionally, it should be porous and well-draining so that it doesn’t hold excess water. So, to make this use sandy soil and add perlite, coarse, pebbles, and so on in a ratio of 2:1.

You can also add small amounts of gravel or pumice to the mix to help mimic its native habitat and promote better water drainage.

Temperature

The Monkey tail cactus prefers warm, dry climates and temperatures ranging between 60°F-80°F but it can tolerate temperatures up to 28°F in the winter season as well. In an indoor environment, it will flourish in normal household temperatures but make sure you don’t place it near drafts, cold windows, or air conditioners that might cause sudden temperature fluctuations.

Additionally, it likes low humidity levels as it is a desert dweller. High humidity can initiate fungal growth and diseases related to it so ventilation and airy spaces will be better.


Monkey Tail Cactus Care

1. Fertilizer

This cactus is not a heavy feeder but of course, from a good amount of fertilizer, it will attain the benefits of developing healthier growth. However, only in the growing season feeding is good for them otherwise in the dormant phase the soil becomes too acidic and causes several infections.

Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer because it will require nutrients to produce flowers.

2. Pests and Diseases

Generally, they are pest-free plants but can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites in overly humid conditions. For this, keep a close eye on your trailing beauty for any sign of early infestation signs. Also, watch out for stem and root mealy bugs that may come into play due to overwatering issues.

If you observe any such signs of damage or infestations act quickly with a store-bought pesticide spray and use accordingly.

3. Repotting

Be alert, because they are rapid growers who need plenty of space for their roots! So, repotting is something that will come hand in hand. It should be done every other year or when the plant has outgrown its pot. However, repotting doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll need larger containers.

It is so good to see you being with us till the end! This guide will definitely help you with your cactus gardening experience. Just share your valuable feedback with us if you are growing this cactus in your home garden.

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