Soft monkey tail cactus

Soft monkey tail cactus Care

Cleistocactus winteri subs. colademononis

What is the plant

Cleistocactus colademononis is endemic to the Bolivian department of Santa Cruz in the province of Florida, Bolivia. The species is epilithic, grows hanging from steep rock faces protruding above the surrounding jungle.

Cleistocactus winteri subs. colademononis, sometimes listed under its old name of Hildewintera colademononis, is a fantastic plant with very long white and soft, hairlike spines. The common name “monkey's tail” refers to the appearance of the hairy stems. It is free flowering and the outsize bright red blooms are particularly decorative. Cleistocactus winteri subs. colademononis is a vigorous, epilithic (growing on rocks) cactus, branching at the base. At first upright, then pendent and is up to 2.5 meters long. The stems are cylindrical, light green 2-7 cm across, completely concealed by the spines. Cleistocactus winteri subs. colademononis is of easy culture, which makes it a good cactus for beginners. It suited to hanging baskets as well as pots.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

5°C - 15°C

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water when the soil has totally dries out. The warmer the air the more frequently you’ll need to water. When it is cloudy and cold, it will take the soil longer to dry out. Keep the soil even drier during late fall and winter when a Monkey Cactus needs to “rest” for a few months in a cool area. This dormant period is necessary for it to bloom well.
Fertilizer
Feed only when the plant is actively growing with a liquid plant food high in potassium.
Sunlight
The plant prefers very bright indirect light, no direct sun.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Use a Cactus mix that drains quickly.
Temperature
Winter care presents no problems at temperatures from 5 to 15°C with plenty of light, but frost hardy to -2°C for short periods if very dry. This plant needs a period of cool rest in winter to produce flowers abundantly.
Container
If growing inside, use a container with enough drainage holes.