There is a myth that monkey tail cactus may bring misfortune. What do you think about it? Monkey tail cactus is one of the natural loves and beauties to all cactus lovers like me. It’s vibrating look and red colored flowers are really amazing which will make your day happy. Most cactus lovers like these monkey tail cactus plants for their long spines with fizzy hair which is more unique than others.
However, experts claim that these plants are very perfect to choose for planting for all beginners because they are more hydrating nature. Long spines of this cactus simply retain water and if you forget to water it will be ok. So, if you set your mind to planting this amazing cactus, we are here to provide you with an overall guideline for planting this cactus in perfect ways. Let’s see!
What about the appearance of monkey tail cactus?
Normally, the long tail cactus looks different from others. Hope, you understand the basic appearance of this plant from its name that it is a plant with a tail like a monkey. Yes! This cactus plant just provides unique look for its long tail and other designs. But, you will get a difference in the appearance of this cactus between its young and matured time.
In the beginning, the monkey tail cactus is formed with very soft stems that are not very thick and hard. Firstly, there may be one soft tail, but with growth, it will be extended.
On the other hand, when this cactus reaches its matured level, you will get more parts from 3 to 5 which are the same as monkey tails. Again, with maturity, these tails look white-colored with a mixture of light and yellow. The length of these tails can be long up to 4 feet.
Some basic characteristics of the monkey tail cactus are:
- Monkey tail cactus grows with its multiple tails and leaves.
- Leaves of the monkey tail cactus will turn into spines by reducing its water.
- With growing the cactus stem will be unable to retain sufficient water.
- The roots of the cactus are increased towards the deep soil from where they retain water.
Growing pattern of monkey tail cactus
Monkey tails cactus has multiple body parts, flowers, etc. So, these plants have a distinctive growing pattern. You can divide into some phases of its progressing period-
- At the initial period, this cactus starts its life with only one stem from its base. You will get a tail formed with a fizzy and soft spine.
- After that, this cactus grows gradually and now it cannot stand for more weight. Now, time to set them into a basket where they can get enough space to hang.
- By growing this cactus, it will reach the branching stage. It will grow with multiple tails and fulfill its complete appearance.
- After completing its maturity it’s time to bloom flowers. These cactus plants will grow flowers with a mix combination of pink and red color within spring and summer.
How could you take care of the monkey tail cactus?
Experts say that preparing to plant the monkey tail cactus is a good decision for beginners because these are low-maintenance cactus plants. Anyone can take care of this beautiful cactus easily. Here, I am sharing with you some most effective caring ways through which you can be a successful monkey-tail cactus gardener.
If you think about the major caring processes of monkey tail cactus, then they are-
- Set your plant within bright indirect lighting.
- Watering the cactus when they actually need it.
- Never log your cactus plants and maintain the drainage system.
- Prepare well-draining cactus mix for successful planting.
- Provide fertilization to the cactus plant with minimum nutrients.
- Special take care for hot summer and extreme cold weather.
In detail, we will know all the caring methods of the monkey tail cactus plants and it will be more helpful for you-
- Appropriate lighting
Select a place where the cactus can get its appropriate light which it actually needs for proper growth. Direct sun and excess shade both are harmful to this monkey tail cactus. Besides all of these, you should ensure the full morning sunlight to your lovely monkey tail cactus.
- Soil preparation
Monkey tail cactus needs a well-drained cactus mix that is loose in nature. You can make this soil at home or purchase from a nursery. Ensure the appropriate proportion of elements of this cactus soil. Remember that, the general potting soil can rot your plant root.
- Proper watering
Overwatering is harmful to all types of plants. It rots the plant roots. Generally, you have to collect proper soil and maintain the watering technique. During the rainy season, you will need to be conscious of the watering process. When this plant needs water, you have to apply it. Ensure the waterlogging and take proper steps.
- Fertilization
Never apply fertilizer when you want. Your plant has its own absorbing time and you have to know the actual time and amount to provide fertilizer. You should provide a low amount of fertilizer with low nourished fertilizer and better if you use organic type.
- Repotting the cactus
You should place this cactus in a large and new pot from the old one. It will be needed every 2 to 3 years. For this time, you have to collect fresh soil and prepare it with new useful materials. For growing fast, your cactus will need extra area after repotting.
- Pruning your cactus
Cutting all dead and damaged parts of the plant is essential to reduce crowd. In that case, you can use sharp scissors. But, pruning is not always necessary for your monkey tail cactus. You have to check your plant regularly and try to make it free from any kind of crowd.
- Set baskets
For beautiful decoration, you can set hanging baskets for growing monkey tail cactus stems. These stems will increase day by day. With caring, you will get amazing growth of your cactus.
What about the blooming session?
Generally, the blooming session of monkey tail cactus is both of summer and spring. But, if you maintain all care properly, you will be able to enjoy the cactus flowers because the monkey tail cactus is one of the free-flowering species. The blooming time of this cactus is not so far away and you can get the cactus flowers more than one time with its growing session.
Apart from all, you can encourage the blooms by deadheading spent blooms. Winter temperature also enhances the plant blooming repeat.
Propagation challenge of monkey tail cactus
If you want to enhance the growth of monkey tail cactus, you can apply the propagation method. The propagation method is a functional and effective technique to extend the cactus planting. At first, you have to ensure enough space for the propagation method; otherwise it can be more challenging for you.
And, this propagation method is perfect within the growing session of this beautiful monkey tail cactus. Here are some essential steps of monkey tail cactus propagation-
- First, find out the healthy stems of your plant for propagation to grow nourished new plants.
- Cut the healthy stems a minimum six inches with a new and sharp knife.
- Let these cut pieces dry for up to 72 hours and when it is fully dried, they are ready for planting.
- Prepare cactus soil and a perfect place with indirect sunlight for your new planting.
- Now, you have to wait a minimum of 3 weeks to cut root and keep your cactus soil moist to complete this task.
- After all establishments, start to take care properly as I described.
Issues and solutions during the growing period of Monkey Tail Cactus
With growing monkey tail cactus, you have to face some challenges like others. So, for amazing growth and a good experience with your lovely plants, you have to be conscious of the common issues of this cactus and maintain all of these-\
- Be aware of the overwatering. Watering this cactus when soil is completely dry.
- During the growing season, you should water these plants properly and check out the under-watering. Under watering causes less growth.
- Ensure proper sunlight otherwise you will get thin and unhealthy cactus stems.
- Most common pests like spiders, mealybugs, etc. can attack to your new plants. So, keep checking regularly and apply pest-controlling spray like neem oil.
- Always try to maintain a balanced temperature for your growing cactus plants. Extreme levels hot or cold can damage your plants.
- Feed your plants to fulfill their nutrients. Proper feeding will simply enhance your cactus growth.
- When you see that, your cactus trees become large with root bound, you have to change your container with a large one.
- After all, confirm the drainage system of your container and prevent the root rot of your cactus.
Is monkey tail cactus beneficial for the environment?
Genuinely, the monkey tail cactus works for environmental support. If you plant this cactus within a container, it will keep your air fresh and clean. On the other hand, when it is planted in an outdoor space, it can work as a helping hand for other plants and soil. Let’s know the environmental benefits of this amazing cactus-
- The root of the monkey tail cactus can reduce soil erosion and it can help to stabilize the soil and it will be very helpful for reducing soil erosion.
- Colorful flowers of this monkey tail cactus help to attract the animals, insects that play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem of other plants.
- The monkey tails cactus can improve the natural vibe of your mind and it will connect you with the fresh environment.
Is a monkey tail cactus an unlucky plant for you?
There is a misconception among some people that cactus may bring unlucky. The fact is that plants are one of the great parts of nature. There is no relation of unlucky with it. These plants are generally designed with a natural vibe. It will enhance the beauty of your home as well as the outside nature.
So, there is no connection between the misconception and these monkey tail cactus trees. Cactus lovers always try to collect different types of cactus and it genuinely makes them happy.
Conclusion
Monkey tail cactus is a differently shaped and uniquely designed plant that can actually make your home different with a natural look. As a cactus lover, I am very happy with its amazing growth features and beautiful look. If you are a new gardener and love cacti, you can start your journey with this type both of a container and outside place.
Moreover, by maintaining all important and functional caring steps; you will get amazing growth for your cactus. It will provide you just mind-blowing appearance with its unique design and colorful red flowers. So, start your journey soon!
