How to Grow and Care for Monkey Tail Cactus

The Monkey Tail Cactus, Cleistocactus winteri subsp. colademononis, is a plant native to the mountainous regions of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Its defining feature is its long, trailing stems covered in soft, white, hair-like spines. Young stems grow upright before adopting a cascading habit, making the plant well-suited for hanging baskets. These fast-growing stems can extend nearly a foot each year, eventually reaching lengths of over five feet.

Monkey Tail Cactus Care

Light

This plant flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be shielded from intense afternoon sun, which can lead to scorching of the delicate stems. If the cactus receives too little light, it may begin to drop its white spines.

Soil

A well-draining soil mix is required. Standard potting soils are too dense and retain too much moisture, leading to root issues. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is an excellent choice. To improve drainage, amend the mix with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, creating a loose medium that keeps the root system healthy.

Water

The “soak and dry” method is the recommended approach for this cactus. Water the plant thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During the active growing season of spring and summer, this may mean watering every few weeks. In the fall and winter, the plant enters dormancy and its water needs decrease significantly, so watering should be reduced to about once a month to prevent root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

This cactus prefers warmer temperatures but can tolerate cooler conditions. It is not frost-tolerant and must be protected from freezing, so it should be brought inside if grown outdoors in a region with cold winters. The plant is adaptable to humidity but should not be kept in an overly damp environment.

Fertilizer

To support its growth, the Monkey Tail Cactus benefits from occasional feeding during the spring and summer. Use a diluted, low-nitrogen, high-potassium liquid fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents. Fertilizing should occur about once a month only during the active growing season, as the plant cannot use the nutrients during its fall and winter dormancy.

Repotting

Repotting is needed every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. A hanging basket is an excellent choice for this plant, allowing the stems to cascade as they grow. The plant has a shallow root system, so it does not require a deep pot. When repotting, select a container that is only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid excess soil that can retain too much water.

Encouraging Monkey Tail Blooms

Providing a proper winter dormancy period is a primary trigger for the plant’s vibrant red or pink flowers. To initiate dormancy, expose the plant to cooler temperatures and significantly reduce water for several months. This rest phase is a natural part of its life cycle that prepares it for flowering. After its winter rest, the cactus needs plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to fuel the development of flower buds. The combination of a cool, dry rest followed by a return to warmer temperatures, increased watering, and bright light creates the ideal conditions for a spectacular floral display.

Propagating a Monkey Tail Cactus

Creating new Monkey Tail Cactus plants is most effectively done through stem cuttings. The process begins with selecting a healthy “tail” and using a clean, sharp knife to cut a section that is at least a few inches long. This fresh cutting should not be planted immediately. It is important to allow the cut end to dry and form a callus, which takes a few days to a week. This step prevents the cutting from rotting before it has a chance to develop roots.

Once the cutting has callused over, it can be placed into a pot with a dry, well-draining cactus mix. The callused end should be inserted just deep enough into the soil to keep it upright. Do not water the cutting right away. Wait a week or two to allow initial roots to form in the dry soil, then begin watering very lightly to encourage further root growth.

Common Problems and Solutions

Mushy, yellowing stems are a sign of root rot, caused by overwatering or soil that does not drain adequately. To fix this:

• Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots.
• Trim away any dark, mushy sections.
• Repot in fresh, dry soil.
• Adjust your watering schedule.

Thin, stretched, and pale stems indicate etiolation. This is caused by the plant not receiving enough light as it stretches for a brighter source. The solution is to gradually move the plant to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight.

Pests can also be a problem, with mealybugs and spider mites being the most common. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, while spider mites may create fine webbing. For a small mealybug infestation, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and apply it directly to the pests.