Compare Monkey Tail Cactus vs Donkey Tail Cactus—differences in looks, care, and growth from 10-year pro Ashley Scott. Perfect trailing plants for USA homes!
Hey there, plant lovers! I’m Ashley Scott, and with 10 years of gardening experience in my USA backyard, I’ve grown all sorts of trailing beauties like these. If you’re wondering about Monkey Tail Cactus vs Donkey Tail Cactus, you’re not alone—they’re both fun, dangling plants that add a cool cascade to shelves or hanging baskets. But they’re different species with unique looks and needs. The Monkey Tail (Cleistocactus colademononis) is a fuzzy cactus from Bolivia, while the Donkey Tail (Sedum morganianum) is a smooth succulent from Mexico. I’ll break it down simply with a comparison, care tips, and my own stories. Let’s dive in!
Quick Overview: Monkey Tail vs Donkey Tail
Both are easy to grow indoors or in mild outdoor spots, but the Monkey Tail is spikier and faster-growing, while the Donkey Tail is leafier and more forgiving for beginners. Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Feature | Monkey Tail Cactus (Cleistocactus colademononis) | Donkey Tail Cactus (Sedum morganianum) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True cactus (epiphytic, grows on rocks) | Succulent (trailing ground cover) |
| Native To | Bolivia (high mountains) | Southern Mexico |
| Stems | Long, thin (up to 2-3 feet), cylindrical, covered in white, fuzzy spines like hair | Thick, trailing (up to 2 feet), bead-like with plump, blue-green leaves (no spines) |
| Flowers | Bright red, tubular, up to 2 inches long; blooms spring-summer, attracts hummingbirds | Small, star-shaped pink/red; blooms summer, subtle and short-lived |
| Growth Speed | Fast (1 foot per year) | Moderate (6-12 inches per year) |
| Hardiness Zones | 9-11 (protect from frost) | 9-11 (loves warmth, indoor elsewhere) |
| Size | Stems 1-2 inches thick, trails 5+ feet over time | Stems 0.5 inches thick, trails 2-3 feet |
| Common Mix-Up | Often confused with Rat Tail (shorter spines) | Sometimes called Burro’s Tail (same plant, or a shorter-leaf variety) |
These differences make the Monkey Tail great for a wild, fuzzy vibe, while the Donkey Tail feels more like a string of beads.
Care Tips for Both: Simple and Similar
Both love bright light and dry soil, but tweak for their needs. I grow mine on a sunny windowsill—easy wins!
Light
- Both: Bright, indirect sun (4-6 hours daily). Too much direct sun scorches them; too little makes stems leggy.
- Monkey Tail Tip: Morning sun is best; I use a sheer curtain to soften afternoon rays.
- Donkey Tail Tip: Partial shade outdoors; it etiolates (stretches) in low light.
- My Story: My first Donkey Tail got lanky indoors, so I added a cheap LED grow light—blooms returned!
Water
- Both: Let soil dry fully between waterings (every 1-2 weeks in summer, less in winter). Overwatering causes rot!
- Monkey Tail Tip: Soak thoroughly but ensure fast-draining cactus mix; fuzzy spines hide pests, so check often.
- Donkey Tail Tip: Water less—plump leaves store water. I mist rarely to mimic its dry habitat.
- Fun Fact: In winter, cut water by half for both to encourage flowers.
Soil and Potting
- Both: Use cactus/succulent mix with perlite for drainage. Repot every 2 years in spring.
- Monkey Tail Tip: Hanging baskets work best for its long arms; I added gravel at the bottom for stability.
- Donkey Tail Tip: Terra cotta pots prevent soggy roots—leaves drop if too wet.
- My Tip: Mix in some sand for extra grit, like I do for succulent propagation projects.
Temperature and Humidity
- Both: 60-80°F daytime; okay down to 50°F at night. Low humidity (under 50%)—no misty bathrooms!
- Monkey Tail Tip: Loves dry air; mine thrives near a fan.
- Donkey Tail Tip: Avoid drafts; it’s sensitive to cold below 50°F.
Fertilizer
- Both: Feed diluted cactus fertilizer (half-strength) monthly in spring-summer. Skip in winter.
- Pro Tip: Over-fertilizing burns roots—less is more!
Common Problems
- Both: Root rot from wet soil; mealybugs (treat with neem oil).
- Monkey Tail: Spines irritate skin—wear gloves!
- Donkey Tail: Leaf drop from stress; propagate fallen ones easily.
- My Fix: I lost a Monkey Tail to overwatering once—now I use a moisture meter.
Propagation: Easy for Both!
Both root like a dream, similar to how to propagate succulents fast.
- Monkey Tail: Cut 4-6 inch stems in spring, let callous 1-2 days, plant in dry soil. Roots in 2-4 weeks.
- Donkey Tail: Snap off leaves or stems, let dry, place on soil. Roots in 1-3 weeks—my favorite for free plants!
- Tip: Use the same well-draining mix; keep shaded until rooted.
Which One for You?
If you want a spiky, blooming showstopper, go Monkey Tail—it’s like a fuzzy snake in your garden. For a smooth, jewel-like trailer that’s super forgiving, pick Donkey Tail. I have both dangling from my patio, paired with native ornamental grasses for texture (check my post at USA Garden Hub). They’re perfect for small spaces and tie into easy landscaping ideas for small backyards.
For more, see The Spruce on Monkey Tail or Gardening Know How on Donkey Tail.
Wrapping up, these trailing stars are low-fuss joys—Monkey Tail Cactus vs Donkey Tail Cactus comes down to fuzzy fun or plump prettiness. Which will you try? Share in the comments on USA Garden Hub!
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