The Monkey Tail Cacti is a unique and exotic plant that can be found in a few gardens. If you own one of these cactus, then we recommend caring for it properly so as not to damage its health!
In this guide, you will learn how to grow succulents and get all of your questions answered. You will learn about the different types of soil that succulents like and the care requirements for watering them.
What Is a Monkey Tail Cactus?
This is a type of cactus that can grow up to 12 feet long and has an intricate, thin tail-like shape. These plants are usually green or blue. Some varieties have white flowers that bloom during the springtime when it is warmer outside.
It is one of the few plants that can survive in your area without much rainfall. This cactus has been known for centuries as a symbol of endurance. People see it as a sign of being strong, both physically and emotionally.
There are somethings you should keep in mind:
- Make sure that your plant doesn’t get too much sunlight. If it does, it will get a sunburn and will be very unhappy!
- Place the plant somewhere where it will get indirect light or filtered illumination.
- Remember that good drainage is more important than anything else when planting this particular succulent.
- Make sure to use potting soil that is designed specifically for plants like these and avoid using standard garden variety general soils.
This is a slow-growing plant, so you might have to wait awhile before your new cacti gets big. But with patience and love won’t be able to stand out among all of its beautiful cousin’s around. [2]
How To Care for the Monkey Tail Cactus
Like all plants, they need the right care in order for them to thrive and grow properly without any problems or issues! Here’s how you should go about caring:
Cacti are delicate plants that need special care. Make sure you have the right pot for them, or else they’ll die! A good rule of thumb is to look for cactus pots at your local garden store. They will have pots with small holes that you can use to water your plants from below without getting the soil too wet (which can cause rot).
Cacti are great for adding color and life to your home, but they need the right care if you want them healthy! Make sure that during spring or summertime when they water often. It’s also important not to overdo it with water in winter time because then they might die from salt buildup (or other causes).
Make sure to give your cactus plenty of sunlight. Your snake plant will do well in a bright, sunny spot. However, be careful not to place it near direct afternoon sun, as this can scorch the leaves.
The cold winter months can be difficult for plants, but it doesn’t have to affect your cacti. Bring them indoors or find a spot that is protected from frost. [1]
Monkey Tail Cactus vs. Rat Tail Cactus: What’s the Difference?
The difference between a rat and monkey tail cactus is quite evident. Cactaceae is a family of plants that have different subgroups, called tribes. Selenicereus wittii is an example of one tribe, while Rhipsalideae (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is an example of another.
Monkey tail cacti grow much taller and wider than rat-tail varieties. Mature monkeys will have a stick that is about 15 feet high. But plants with a rod tailed will only get to be 2 ft tall and have a diameter of less than 3 inches wide.
Monkey tail cacti have stems that are thinner and more delicate-looking than rat’s. The spines on these plants are shorter too, but they’re also less dense which makes them look even sharper!
The flowers of a monkey tail cactus are white or pale pink and grow in clusters. Rat-tail flower blooms only one at a time, but it’s bright red. [3]
Sun Exposure & Light Requirements
Monkey tail cactus is a tough bunch, but they do have their limits. To help your plant thrive, it is important to give it plenty of direct or indirect sunlight. Make sure that the plant gets some light during the summer when temperatures are highest. If it’s not too hot where you live, then be sure to protect your plants from the intense afternoon rays. The sun can’t really penetrate through trees’ leaves like it sometimes does down here.
The Monkey Tail Cactus can tolerate both high and low temperatures, but it is important to remember that this plant is native to desert regions. The solar panels need plenty of sunny days to work well. That’s why it’s important to install them in a place where there are many sunny days.
If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, it’s important to protect your cacti from the freezing temperatures. Bring them indoors during these months so they don’t go into dormancy and die.
Monkey tail cactus is a rare and unique plant that only blooms at night. To make sure your pet gets the darkness it needs, provide it with an area where it can sleep without any light.
This is especially important during the day when your pet should be sleeping. Remember to also give your pet supplements to make up for the darkness you’re providing. [1]
Watering Requirements
The loyalty and toleration of the Monkey Tail Cactus is one worth noting. This drought-tolerant plant can survive long periods without water, but it will grow faster if you water it regularly throughout its growing season. It will also produce more flowers.
Water your plants deeply so that they can absorb all the nutrients from deep in the Earth. Make sure to let the soil dry out before giving them more water, especially during winter when they don’t need as much.
To check if your monkey tail cactus needs water, insert the tip of one finger into its soil. If it’s dry then you should give them some more; but when in doubt wait an hour before watering again. [1]
Soil Requirements
As a desert plant, the monkey tail cactus needs well-draining soil. A mixture of two parts sand to one part potting mix is what you should use! You can also try using cactus mixes that are available at your local garden store. These mixes have a lot of drainage, which is important for keeping a cactus healthy in our hot, moist climate.
Make sure to mix in some perlite or sand before planting. This will ensure good drainage and prevent your roots from getting wet, which can lead to rot!
Growing a cactus in containers is easy! Just make sure you have the right pot size and drainage holes. For best results, use an organic material like terracotta for faster drying time-and less risk of root rot or other problems. [1]
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
The delicate, budding plant thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity.If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius) for a long period of time, your cacti may get damaged or die. However, if you take care of them when cool weather approaches, they can last until Frost!
To keep your little lush tail cacti happy and healthy, you should mist the plant with water regularly. If it’s too dry for longer than two weeks in a row, there are things you can do to make sure the plants stay moist. [1]
Fertilizing
When you fertilize your monkey tail cactus, be sure to use a balanced all-purpose fertilizer. It’s important for the health of this plant and will encourage growth! We should avoid feeding them during winter months because they are dormant and we don’t want to disturb their natural cycle.
To avoid burning your plant, make sure you pour the mixture into soil and not on top of leaves. After you fertilize your lawn, be careful not to move it around or tilt it. If you do, the pellets that are at different depths will shift and the bottom layer might get burned.
You can also benefit from a slow-release fertilizer that will last for several months. These types of fertilizers are great if you don’t have time to water your plants or forget to do it. All you need to do is apply it around the base of the plant according to their directions and then fill in some more.
Over-fertilizing your plants is the last thing you want to do! It can damage them and make leaves yellow or brown. If this happens, just stop fertilizing for a while until everything recovers from its injury (or cut off any dead roots).
Potting and Repotting
If you want a rare, unusual plant that is slow growing and can stay in the same pot for many years then consider getting yourself some monkey tail cactus. The plants like to stay in the same pot for a long time. When they grow too big for their current pot, you can re-pot them. This will happen over time as their roots grow bigger.
When you are moving your tree, be careful not to damage the underground parts. Handles can cause trauma, but go ahead and move it anyway because once it is rooted, it doesn’t move much.
Give your cactus a nice drink of water after repotting, then let it dry out before you give them another dose. Six weeks without any fertilizer should do the trick!
If you want to keep your cactus small, pot it up into a larger container every few years. This will also help refresh the soil in which they grow and give them more room for growth!
Monkey tail cactus are not too choosy about where they grow, but they prefer a spot with plenty of light that is out of direct sunlight. If they don’t get enough light, they may stretch and thin.
Pruning
If you want your cacti to be healthy and look good, it’s important for them not only to get pruned but also when they need a trim. The best time to prune your plant is after every few months. This will remove any dead or dying leaves on the plant as well as stems/ flowers so that way there isn’t anything holding back growth!
The easiest way to care for your cactus is by cutting off any dead or dying leaves, stems and flowers. Make sure you cut cleanly so as not to damage the healthy parts of this plant!
Give your cactus a good watering after pruning. This will help your tree recover from being trimmed and promote new growth. You’ll be able to see the new growth more easily once it starts growing. [1]
Pests and Diseases
While pests and diseases are not too much of an issue with monkey tail cactus, mealy bugs can sometimes be a problem. Indoor plants are more likely to get pests because humans can control them better.
Outdoor plants are more likely to have less pests, but you should still check for any signs of infestation and treat them immediately. If that’s not possible, then bring your plant outside where there is less risk from these pesky creatures!
The plant is not generally affected by diseases, but rot can occur if it’s kept too wet. If you notice any leaves in your garden plants that are browning or mushy, remove the affected area right away. Let them dry out before watering them again.
How to Control Pests on Your Monkey Tail Cactus
Monkeys’ tail cacti are not just about the cute face, they also have a pesky pest problem. If you do not treat your plants for pests, there is a good chance that they will get mealy bugs or scale insects. Mealy bugs suck sap from the plants, leaving them yellowing. Scale insects eat the plant’s sap, stunting its growth.
The best way to keep pests from bothering your monkey tail cacti is by quarantining any new plants and looking for signs of them. If you find an infestation, remove it with cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol or dish soap (dish detergent will also work) before treating the whole collection according as per label instructions. Some insecticides are safe on these types but others might not be so make sure first. [3]
FAQ
How Do You Propagate a Monkey Tail cactus?
To grow a monkey tail cactus, you can either take stem cuttings or seed. It is recommended to take root donations if you don’t have much experience with this plant. This will help you get started faster than if you tried to use potting soil infections.
There are some steps you need to follow to prepare your favorite cutting material.
First, remove any damaged areas from both sides.
Second, make sure there are two nodes that are four inches apart on each side. This is important for the cutting material to grow successfully.
Finally, water only when the soil has completely dried out.
Is it Hard to Grow Monkey Tail Cactus From Seed?
The process of succession for growing a monkey tail cactus from seed is surprisingly easy.
The planting tray is the perfect place to start your cacti and succulent journey! Fill it with a good quality potting mix, then fill in some soil until its level reaches that of an inch deep. If you want to add more materials to your plants, make sure you water them thoroughly first. This will help them absorb the new material and not dry out even more than they have been during this experiment.
Next, make sure your potting mix is well-moistened. Then sprinkle the seeds evenly over its surface and gently press them into place. Make sure that they are in contact with moistened soil before covering or sealing up for 12 hours to begin conditioning humidity around these little cacti!
You can also place the seed trays in a location that is not too cold and out of direct sunlight. Once they germinate, you will see signs within 2-4 weeks such as small sprouts popping up or leaves poking through from beneath soil layers. Now that your plants are in the ground, it is important to remove any plastic wrap so they can get plenty of sun. This will help them grow properly.
Water your cacti plants only when the potting mix has dried out completely. When you water your plants, be careful not to give them too much water. This can make the roots rot, and over time the plants will need to be moved to larger pots.
Is the Monkey Tail Cactus Fast Growing?
Yes, monkey tail cactus is a fast-growing plant. In fact, it’s one of the fastest-growing cacti! Monkey tail cactus can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) per year.
How Long Does it Take to Grow a Monkey Tail Cactus From Seed?
The growing process for a monkey tail cactus can take up to two years, but the timing varies depending on location. If you live in an area with a short season, your plants will grow more slowly and may not reach maturity until later than if you lived in an area with year-round warm weather.
Monkey tail cacti need plenty of sunlight to bloom and fruit. If you live in an area with a lot of sunny days, you should place your plants outside so they can get full sun for six hours each day. If you don’t have many sunny days, you should grow your plants under artificial lights.
Keep your cactus warm by keeping it in an area with 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. But at night, make sure the temperature doesn’t go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a place where the temperature gets colder than what is ideal for this type of plant, you will need to provide some extra warmth to keep them happy!
To help your monkey tail cactus thrive, make sure to water it regularly. If your plants are growing in the spring and summer, water them about 1/7 cup each week. But if they are during the fall and winter, only water them about 2 cups per month.
How Fast Do Monkey Tails Grow?
Monkey tails grow at a slower rate than most plants. In optimal conditions, they can reach up to two inches per year but typically only advance about an inch each calendar year. The size of the plant will also affect how fast it grows. A small monkey tail cactus might only grow half an inch in a year while a larger one could add on closer to three inches.
How Big Do Monkey Tails Get?
Monkeys love to grow their tails. The longer the better! A full-grown adult is about six feet tall, but most only grow to be about two or three feet tall. They are one inch wide at their widest point.
Does Monkey Tail Cactus Grow Pups?
Monkey tail cacti are known for their pup or ” illegitimate” babies, which grow at the base of mom. They can be propagated by removing them from your adult plant and potting up new ones in well draining soil!
If you want to keep your monkey tail cactus looking its best, give it a light trimming every now and then. Just be sure not to cut off any of the pups
How Long Does it Take for a Monkey Tail Cactus to Flower?
It can take a monkey tail cactus up to two years to flower. However, if you are growing monkey tail cactus indoors, it is unlikely that it will flower. The main reason why indoor plants don’t flower is because they don’t get enough light. If you want your monkey tail cactus to flower, you should put it in a bright spot.
To encourage flowering, you can also try giving your monkey tail cactus a light fertilizer during the growing season. If you live in an area with a long growing season, you can fertilize your monkey tail cactus every month or so. However, if you live in an area with a short growing season, you should only fertilize your monkey tail cactus every other month.
In general, monkey tail cactus are relatively easy to care for. As long as you give them enough light and water, they will do just fine. However, if you want your monkey tail cactus to flower, you may need to put in a little extra effort.
Does Monkey Tail Cactus Multiply?
Yes, monkey tail cactus can multiply both by seed and vegetatively. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining cactus mix at any time of year. Keep the soil moist but not wet and place it in bright filtered light. Seedlings will emerge in about two weeks.
To propagate vegetatively, remove a stem from the main plant and allow it to be callous over a few days. Then, pot the stem in cactus mix and place in bright filtered light. Water when the soil is dry to the touch. New roots will develop in two to four weeks.
Can You Break off a Piece of Cactus and Plant it?
It may sound daunting at first, but breaking off a piece of cacti is really quite simple.You will need some gloves and shears to cut the desired section from its parent plant.
Be careful not to damage any living parts or cause harm in general. This should only take a moment! Once you have chosen your cacti, simply trim away anything that doesn’t look good. Plant them in a pot or in the ground next to other cacti friends.
If you want to plant your cactus in a pot, make sure that the pot is big enough. The rule of thumb is that the pot should be one and a half times as big as the cactus itself. This will give it room to grow without being cramped.
Be sure to use well-draining soil, and water your cactus sparingly. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make when growing cacti.
Can You Root Cactus in Water?
The answer is yes, but it’s not the best idea. Cactus are succulents, meaning they store water in their leaves and stems. When you cut off a piece of cactus to root, it needs to be callous over to prevent rot.
Useful Video: *How To Propagate Monkey Tail Cactus From Cuttings*
Conclusion
The monkey tail cactus is a succulent that is easy to care for. With a little bit of attention, it can grow quickly. If you follow the tips in this blog post, you will be able to propagate your own monkey tail cactus.
Have you tried growing a monkey tail cactus yet? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below!
References
- https://gardenswhisper.com/monkey-tail-cactus-care-propagation/
- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/monkey-tail-cactus
- https://succulentcity.com/monkey-tail-cactus/