The Bewitching Monkey Tail Cactus: Nature’s Hairy Wonder
Have you ever seen a cactus that looks like it’s straight out of a Dr. Seuss book? Well, let me introduce you to the wonderfully whimsical monkey tail cactus! With its wild mop of soft, fuzzy white spines, this peculiar plant is sure to grab your attention and never let go.
Just imagine those crazy hairlike spines gently swaying as the cactus stem grows to crazy lengths of up to 8 feet! It’s like a miniature Rapunzel letting down her prickly hair. And wait until you see the stunning bright red flowers that bloom along the stems – it’s like the cherry on top of nature’s quirky masterpiece.
I know what you’re thinking, “But Janie, how do I get my hands on one of these funky plants?” Well, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn all the tips and tricks for keeping this zany cactus healthy and happy.
Contents
About the Monkey Tail Cactus
This oddball cactus, scientifically known as Cleistocactus winteri subsp. colademononis, hails from the rocky regions of Bolivia. It starts off growing upright but then its stems get so long and heavy that they bend over and hang down like…you guessed it, a monkey’s tail!
The light green cylindrical stems can get up to 3 inches wide and are completely obscured by the dense mat of soft, white hairlike spines reaching up to 5 inches long. In late spring through early fall, brilliant red blooms up to 3 inches long appear, making for an eye-catching display.
Related Post:
55 Types of Cleistocactus With Pictures
Monkey Tail Cactus Care
Light
The monkey tail cactus requires bright, filtered light or partial sun exposure. It can handle some direct sun, especially in the morning, but full hot sun will sunscald the plant. A sunny, east or west-facing window is ideal indoors. Grow lights can supplement natural light if needed.
Water
Water the monkey tail cactus moderately during the growing season from spring through summer. This means watering weekly or more frequently if the weather is hot and sunny, but allowing the soil to dry out fully before watering again. In the fall as temperatures drop in October, reduce watering. Keep the plant quite dry over the winter rest period when it is cold hardy to around 28°F (-2°C) for short periods if very dry.
Soil
A well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix is ideal to prevent soggy soil and root rot. You can amend a basic potting soil by mixing in some perlite, coarse sand or baked clay.
Fertilizer
Feed the monkey tail cactus occasionally during the active growing period with a high potassium liquid fertilizer made for cacti and succulents.
Temperature and Humidity
This cactus does best with cool winter temperatures between 40-60°F (5-15°C) with plenty of sunlight. It is frost hardy down to around 28°F (-2°C) for short periods if kept very dry. Average warmth around 65-80°F (18-27°C) with low humidity is ideal spring through fall.
Pests and Problems
The monkey tail cactus is generally easy to grow if kept pest-free. Watch for infestations of mealybugs on the stems and roots, as well as scale insects and spider mites. Fungal issues can arise if the plant stays too wet or humid.
Pruning
These crazy cactus trails can easily get out of hand! Prune off any stray, overgrown, or damaged stems as needed to keep it tidy.
Potting and Repotting
The monkey tail cactus has rapid growth, so it needs plenty of root space. Repot every 2-3 years in late spring into a slightly larger container with fresh cactus potting mix. However, excessive repotting can be avoided by using an appropriately sized pot.
How to Propagate the Monkey Tail Cactus
The monkey tail cactus is very easy to propagate from stem cuttings or seeds, allowing you to multiply your hairy plant collection!
From Stem Cuttings:
- Take 3-5 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer using a clean, sharp knife or pruners
- Allow the cuttings to callus over for 1-2 weeks by placing them in a warm, dry location out of direct sun
- Once the cut ends have formed a dried calloused layer, the cuttings are ready to plant
- Prepare a well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix
- Plant the calloused cuttings vertically, buried 1-2 inches deep, spacing them a few inches apart
- Water sparingly after planting, just enough to settle the soil
- Place in a warm spot with bright, indirect light
- Be patient – roots will start developing in 4-8 weeks before new spine and stem growth appears
- Once rooted and actively growing, care for the new plants as you would an established monkey tail cactus
From Seed:
- Use a sterile seed-starting mix
- Surface sow the seeds by pressing them onto the damp soil surface
- Cover the seed tray or pot with plastic wrap or a dome lid to maintain humidity
- Place in a warm location around 70°F until seeds sprout in 2-4 weeks
- Remove cover once sprouted and move to a sunny window
- When a few inches tall, acclimatize seedlings to direct sun and more air circulation
- Transplant into individual pots after 3-4 months once established
- Don’t overwater seedling monkey tails as they are prone to damping off
With a little patience, you’ll have an abundance of new monkey tail cacti to admire their wild, quirky charms! Propagating allows you to easily share this unique plant with others.
