Monkey Tail Cactus Care Guide
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Cleistocactus
Botanical Name: Hildewintera Colademononis or Cleistocactus winteri subsp
Difficulty: Great for beginners
Light
Monkey tail cacti like bright indirect sunlight, but they can survive in shadier conditions.
Water
Water them during the summer and spring once the soil has completely dried. Usually, this will be every 6-8 weeks. They will go dormant in the winter, so avoid watering them.
Climate
Unlike other cacti, these guy can survive temperatures below freezing. However, they do prefer a warmer climate. If you’re keeping them inside, you won’t need to worry about increasing the humidity around them for them to be happy!
Soil
Pot them in a well-draining cactus and succulent mix that will keep the roots from sitting in water. You can fertilize them once in the spring if you want to, but they don’t really need this.
Pests and Diseases
Like other members of the cactus family, these guys are prone to mealybugs, scale, and root rot.
Tips
Lighter green cacti will need more sunlight.
Lower the light levels as the dormant season approaches to get it ready for a period of stopped growth.
As it gets closer to the growing season, start watering them frequently to prepare for all the new growth it will have!
Exposure to low temps = do not water them
Signs your monkey tail cactus isn’t happy
Turning yellow: over watered
Turning black: root rot
How to propagate
Stem cuttings are the best way to propagate your monkey tail cactus. Using sharp scissors, cut a piece of “tail” off and leave it to dry and callous before you place it in cactus mix. It can take up to a month for it to take root and grow.
Fun Facts
They are native to Bolivia.
There is a subspecies called the Golden Rat Tail cactus.
They’re classified as Lithophites.
They adjust their growth and how long their dormant period lasts according to the light they receive.
Hardiness Zones
Before you move your plant outside, be sure to check the hardiness zone to save yourself some grief and the loss of a beloved plant.
The hardiness zones for monkey tail cacti are : 9a-11b
If you live in Tennessee, here’s a hardiness map to help you decide if your plant can survive outside!
