The monkey tail cactus is an easy plant to cultivate and of great ornamental value. Also known as foxtail, the variety stands out when composing the decoration of balconies, outdoor areas and vertical gardens. Interested in growing it? So, follow the agronomist’s valuable tips Henrique Figueiredo🇧🇷
What is the monkey tail
The monkey tail, or Hildewintera colademononis, is a plant native to Bolivia. This cactus is considered one of the few outstanding varieties in the world, so it has a great presence in landscaping. According to Henrique Figueiredo, the plant is easy to grow and requires simple day-to-day care.
The cactus is also known for having white spines and elongated stems that can reach 2 meters in length. Due to its pending format, the species is widely used in the decoration of overalls, outdoor areas and balconies. In addition, it is a good option for composing vertical gardens.
How to take care of the monkey tail
The monkey tail is native to the rocky mountains of Bolivia, so it is considered a very hardy cactus. However, to grow healthy and full of life, it also needs basic care and attention to irrigation. With that in mind, check out 6 cultivation tips from agronomist Henrique Figueiredo:
1. Irrigation
“The watering of the monkey’s tail should be spaced, approximately every 3 days or when the substrate is dry”. Henrique emphasizes the importance of moderate irrigation, as excessive water can rot the roots of the plant.
2. Fertilization
The cactus can receive fertilizer once a month to stimulate its growth and flowering. Henrique recommends the use of earthworm humus and bokashi, which are a great source of nutrients. “The plant can also receive industrialized fertilizers, such as NPKs and Osmocote”, he says.
3. Brightness
“The ideal environment for growing monkey’s tail is full sun, but the plant also tolerates partial shade as long as it receives good light”. As a native species of arid environments, the cactus needs direct sunlight, at least 6 hours a day.
4. Ideal soil
Like most cacti and succulents, the species appreciates a well-draining substrate. According to the expert, the ideal soil should be based on topsoil, sand and fibrous materials, such as pine bark and pieces of charcoal.
5. Seedlings
The propagation of the plant happens through seeds and cuttings. According to Henrique, cultivation using cuttings is the ideal method to guarantee new seedlings easily. For this type of planting, he recommends using branches of approximately 12 cm. In this way, it will be possible to generate healthy and resistant seedlings.
6. Pests
“Mites, aphids and mealybugs are the most common pests of the monkey tail cactus. However, it is possible to control them easily if they are identified early on”. According to the specialist, it is possible to find insecticides and industrialized products that are effective to end most of these problems.
In addition to requiring little care, the monkey’s tail produces flowers in spring and summer. Flowering contributes to an exotic decoration, with a strong presence and full of personality. Follow the next topic for more tips and information about this cactus.
Learn more about the exuberant monkey tail
They say that the monkey’s tail scares away negative energies, is the guardian of the environment and purifies the air. Its presence can be the splendor of the decoration. For this, you need to get the cultivation right. Below, check out a selection of videos with more practical tips, curiosities and information
Curiosities about the monkey tail cactus
In this video, botanist Samuel tells some curiosities about the monkey tail. Did he know that the species’ spines are soft and delicate at the ends? Watch and discover more reasons to fall in love with this cactus.
How to plant monkey tail in pot
Gardener Carlos teaches how to plant the monkey’s tail in a pot with practical tips. In the vlog you will learn how to produce a quality substrate to ensure the health of the plant. It’s worth watching, as the video also brings other cultivation tips.
How to replant and make cactus seedlings
The monkeytail grows quickly over the years, so you will certainly need to repot it at some point. In this video, landscaper Claudia Muller teaches the step-by-step process of replanting an already large seedling. The specialist also shows how to take advantage of this moment to produce new seedlings in a very simple way.
How to make monkeytails bloom faster
In addition to long, pendent stems, the monkey’s tail draws attention to its beautiful flowers. In this video, see how to ensure intense flowering with simple fertilizers. Gardener Reinaldo recommends using charcoal powder, which is ideal for cacti and succulents. Be sure to watch and take note of any extra guidance.
Did you like the tips? You are now ready to grow monkeytails and use them in your decor. To make your home even more beautiful, also cultivate the mandacaru cactus, an exotic and very elegant species.
