Do you think about monkey tail cactus vs donkey tail cactus? Especially with their unique, unusal succulent types and shapes big hanging plants that also can show their beautiful features epecially the Monkey Tail Cactus and Donkey Tail Cactus. These two little succulents may share similar common names and a watering routine, but they are quite different in appearance, care requirements, and even family.
Monkey tail or Donkey Tail Cactus which one to choose for your indoor or outdoor garden? This guide will help you know the differences between them.
The Monkey Tail Cactus
Monkey Tail Cactus is a member of the Cactaceae family hailing from Bolivia. It has an interesting texture, pink in color with fuzzy white cover/ spines like a tail of monkey. Native to tropical regions, these stems will reach lengths of 8ft and will hang beautifully if grown in a hanging basket.
The Monkey Tail Cactus also produces stunning, bright red or pink flowers in spring and summer, which contrast beautifully with its unique shape.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: Fuzzy, cylindrical stems with soft and white spines.
Blooms: Bright red or pink blooms in the spring and summer
Growing: Has long, trailing stems and can grow several feet.
The native habitat was Bolivia, and is distinct for being found in rock dry climates.
The Donkey Tail Cactus
Donkey Tail Cactus, otherwise known as Burro’s Tail, a species of Sedum morganianum of the Crassulaceae family. This succulent, which is native to Mexico, has a completely different texture: thick fleshy blue-green leaves growing along trailing stems. What makes the plant most recognizable is its tail-like shape, with densely packed leaves.
Key Characteristics:
Looks: Fat, succulent leaves in a blueish-green
Bloom: Small, pink or red flowers are typically sparse.
Growth Type: Dense, trailing stems with closely packed leaves.
Native range: Mexico, preferring dry, well-draining conditions.
Visual and Structural Differences
While both plants are referred to as “tails” the distinction in appearance is apparent. Let’s know the details!
Shape of Leaves and Stems: The Monkey Tail Cactus consists of thin, hair-like spines that cover its thick, fuzzy stems with spines along them, whereas the Donkey Tail Cactus are round leaves on stiff branches which gives it a beaded look.
Appearance: The spines develop a white and fuzzy texture, conveying a playful aesthetic. The fleshy leaves of the Donkey Tail are smooth, and blue-green in color.
Length of Growth: The stems of a Monkey Tail can become much longer compared to Donkey Tails, growing several feet long if given the right environment.
Such variances not only changes the way each plant looks but also dictates how you display the bonsai. Both are great options for hanging planters, but the length and fuzz of a Monkey Tail make it especially wow-y in taller hanging arrangements.
Ideal Growing Conditions
While both of these plants prefer a dry and well-draining environment, they have different care requirements to grow best.
Despite their origin in arid areas, monkey tail cacti can thrive happily indoors or outdoors with the right care.
- Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal for the Monkey Tail Cactus, but it can put up with a number of hours of direct sun daily. When in low light, it might grow slower or lose its color.
- Water
This cactus needs very little watering, like many cacti. Let the soil dry out thoroughly between watering, especially during the winter when these plants are dormancy.
- Temperature
This cactus loves warm conditions; in 60°F to 80°F range is depending on species. It can withstand frost, but most of them need protection from frost and should be kept above 40°F temperature.
- Soil
A quality cactus or succulent soil that drains well is a must. Mixing in additional perlite may increase drainage even more.
- Humidity
Monkey Tail Cacti do best in low humidity conditions, so they are a great option for dry indoor settings.
Conditions For Growing The Donkey Tail Cactus
Let’s know the growing details of the donkey tail cactus!
Light: The Donkey Tail Cactus will thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Since 6th photo burn leaves which direct sun if so, filtered light location is best.
Watering: only water when soil is completely dry and let the plant go through a dormant period. It is a succulent species that makes it prone to root rot from overwatering.
Temperature: It grows best in mild temperatures averaging between 60°F to 75°F but can manage slightly cooler temps, as long the surrounding area is kept dry.
Potting Media: Good drainage provided by sand type potting soil is essential as these plants are susceptible to root rot. Potting mix to use: Cactus or succulent soil mix
Humidity: Similar to the Monkey Tail, this cactus also enjoys low humidity levels which makes it ideal for indoor spaces.
Differentiation on Maintenance and Care
The Monkey Tail and Donkey Tail Cacti are very similar but there are some differences in care:
Water Requirements: Both need very little water but the Monkey Tail is a true cactus and loves to be dry. As a succulent, the Donkey Tail is also susceptible to overwatering but can tolerate drought.
- Monkey Tail Cactus CarePruning and Repotting
If the monkey tail grows too long, it may need had a drastic pruning. It is important to repot these plants only when necessary, as the leaves of the Donkey Tail are sensitive and often drop off at even a slight movement.
- Dealing With Fragility
The leaves of Donkey Tail Cactus are notoriously prone and can drop easily at the slightest touch. Handle this with care. The spiny structure of the Monkey Tail is also much more robust, making it marginally more manageable.
- Propagation Differences
Monkey Tail and Donkey Tail Cacti can both be propagated fairly simply but the methods should differ slightly due to structure.
How To Propagate The Monkey Tail Cactus?
For stem cuttings: Cut a piece of the stem and let it dried for several days, until the end cuts forms a callus.
PlantingStart with a cutting that has dried and place it in a pot with free-draining soil, mist from time to time until roots start to form.
Plugging: After new roots begin to form, the cutting will start sprouting and growing as a new plant. Once propagated the Monkey Tail makes for an interesting addition to any garden with its fuzzy spines.
How to propagate Donkey Tail Cactus?
The simple propagation method will be very easy for all. You have to know about this overall process-
- Leaf Cuttings
Pluck single leaves from the stem and allow them to callouse for a day or two.
In terms of planting: Place the leaves on well-draining soil and water every now and then until they grow roots.
- Expansion
If enough time is given there will be new little puppies breaking through the bottom of each leaf. But be careful because the leaves are easily dislodged etc.
Common Pests and Issues
Both plants are relatively easy to maintain, but there are a few problems that may come up:
How to take care of Monkey Tail and Donkey Tail Cactus Under-Watering
The Monkey Tail and Donkey Tail both might succumb due to over watering, they are prone for root rot if watered again. To prevent the soil should dry in between watering.
- Leaf Drop
If a Donkey Tail Cactus is handled roughly, temperatures fluctuate suddenly, or the leaves are rubbed off, they will easily drop. And find a stable place for it to prevent losing leaves.
- Pests
Both plants can get spider mites and mealybugs, but usually only if the plant is inside. Check the plants frequently and address any infestations right away with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Nice cactus selection for your environment
The most important factor when it comes to choosing between the Monkey Tail and Donkey Tail Cacti is which look you prefer as well as how much care you want to do:
- For the Low-Maintenance and Durability Enthusiast
The Monkey Tail Cactus is less demanding and low-maintenance, plus it makes a dramatic statement with its unique look and vibrant blooms.
- If you like a beaded, lush, and green look
The donkey tail cactus is great for the unique succulent. Best as trailing in hanging baskets
Final words
Knowing how they differ from each other in terms of appearance, care and propagation will help you decide which is most suited to your indoor or outdoor garden. Both need the right watering and sunlight to grow beautifully as they provide a natural chic vibe.
