Post Views: 177 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 Water Soil and Potting Temperature and Humidity Fertilizer Common Problems Propagation: Easy for Both! Both root like a dream, similar to how to propagate succulents fast. 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!