Monkey tail cactus (Cleistocactus winteri subsp. Colademononis)

El monkey tail cactus it is an incredibly pretty plant. Its hanging stems are covered with long white hairs that give it an appearance of the tail of the aforementioned animal, and it also produces red flowers that are wonderful.

If you have a balcony, or in your patio you can hang a pot from the ceiling, your plant will look very beautiful. Although to also tell you that if you have a garden, it could be very interesting to plant it near a tree to use it as a support. Let's get to know it.

Origin and characteristics of the monkey tail cactus

Our protagonist is a cactus whose scientific name is Cleistocactus winteri subsp. colademononis, but its synonyms are often used Cleistocactus colademononis, Hildewintera colademononis. In any case, it is well known by the name of the monkey tail, or monkey tail cactus. It is native to Bolivia, where it grows on rocks; that is, it is a lithophyte plant.

It has a vigorous bearing, developing hairy stems that begin to grow vertically and then become hanging. These they can measure up to 2,5 meters, and are made up of 14 to 20 ribs with areolas that are about 3-6 millimeters apart. From these arise from 0 to 8 spines that point downward, yellowish in color, and 20 to 50 white hairs.

The flowers are bright red, and are 7-8 centimeters long. And as for the fruits, they are reddish, practically spherical and measure 8 to 12 millimeters in diameter.

What are the care you need?

The monkey tail cactus is an extraordinary plant, with different ornamental uses. It can be used to decorate the balcony as well as to cover the dry trunk of a tree. Of course, first of all it is very important to know the care that we must provide, since otherwise we could run out of it ahead of time, so let's do it:

Location

The most recommended is that is outside, in a bright area. You can give it the sun directly, but it is better that it is only for a few hours, and as long as they are not the middle of the day.

In the event that you are in the Mediterranean, or in another area where the UV index is high in summer (8-10), it is preferable that you always have it in semi-shade to avoid burning.

Earth

• Flower pot: Being a lithophyte cactus, it is preferable to use mineral substrates such as pomx or similar.
• Garden: it grows on rocks, so if you want to have it in the garden I advise you to make a hole of about 50 x 50cm, and fill it with pumice, or if you prefer with gravel (the one used for construction, with a size of 2 -4mm grain).

Irrigation

Irrigation must be low. It only has to be watered when you see that the substrate is dry. Generally, during the summer you should add water once or twice a week. The rest of the year, as it grows less and the temperatures are not as high, they will spread out more.

If you grow it in a pot, do not put a plate under it, since otherwise the water will remain stagnant, in contact with the roots, which would soon die.

Subscriber

As long as the growing season lasts, as well as the flowering seasonIt is highly recommended to fertilize the monkey tail cactus once every 7 to 15 days. Use fertilizers or liquid fertilizers for this, so that its roots can access the nutrients more quickly.

For example, any cactus fertilizer will be effective, provided it is used correctly, following the directions on the package. Keep in mind that you must take the indicated dose, since if it is exceeded, the plant will not only not grow faster, but it can suffer significant damage, first to its roots, and then to its stems.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds and by stem cuttings, during spring and summer.

Seeds

Sow the seeds in trays with holes in the base, which you will have filled with vermiculite. Water thoroughly, until the substrate is damp, and cover them a little. Then you just have to put the seedbed in semi-shade and keep it moist.

In the event that everything goes well, they will germinate in about 5-10 days.

Cuttings

The quickest way to get a new specimen of Monkey Tail cactus is cutting off a piece, letting the wound dry out of direct sunlight for a week, then planting it in a pot with a cheekbone. To help it grow new roots, you can cover the dry wound with rooting hormones before planting the cutting in the container.

If it goes well, in about 17-20 days you should notice some growth.

Transplant

En spring, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• If it is in a pot: you will need a larger one if the roots come out through the holes, and / or if it is seen with the naked eye that it has occupied the entire container.
• If you want to plant it in the garden: it has to be a plant that looks good; In other words, we do not recommend planting 5-centimeter cacti in the ground, as they could easily be lost.

Rusticity

The monkey-tail cactus withstands frosts of up to -4ºC.

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