Hildewintera colademononis
Monkey Tail Cactus, also known as Cleistocactus demonononis, looks just like monkey tails hanging from baskets. The tails can grow more than 12 inches each year, and their spines are soft to the touch.
Other Cleistocactus are Wooly Torch (C. strausii) and Foxtail (C. ferrarii).
Most Popular Types
Just the Monkey Tail!
Light
Bright, indirect light
Temperatures
Monkey Tail cactus can tolerate temps as low as 20°F.
Watering
Water weekly during its growing season in spring and summer. Lightly water it in the winter when the soil is completely dry.
Toxicity
Toxic to pets and humans
Growth
Monkey Tail cactus has a trailing growth pattern and does best in hanging baskets. It can grow more than 12 inches per year.
Bright red flowers appear along the “tails” iin spring and early summer.
Origin
Rocky soil of Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Propagation
While it can be propagated from seed, it is easiest to propagate Monkey Tail cactus from cuttings. Cut 4-5 inch sections and allow ends to callous several days before placing them in slightly moist soil in dappled sunlight. The cuttings typically root within a month.
Dormancy
Winter dormant
Hildewinteri colademononis monkey tail cactus
Hildewinteri colademononis monkey tail cactus started from seed
monkey tail cactus – Cleistocactus colademononis
Monkey tail cactus we purchased from a private collection.
monkey tail cactus
Monkey tail cactus is very showy, covered with blooms in the spring.
Workshops at Growing Hobby
Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.