Hildewintera colademononis

Beautiful cactus from the Andes with hanging stems. They are "hairy", coated with a grey fur. Flowers are a show indeed! This species was described in 2003 from the province of  Santa Cruz, in Bolivia. Wild plants typically grow on rocky cliffs, hanging or creeping downwards, with other rock-dwelling flora like bromeliads.

Cola de Mono means Monkey Tail and this is because each  stem looks like the hanging tail of a hidden monkey! Some botanists consider now Hildewintera is a synonym of Cleistocactus.

It is a high-elevation species and it is cool-growing and frost-tolerant. Growers in France report it perfectly stands  winters at -7C and -12 C sheltered from rain. It is perfect in pots and so this cactus was traditionally grown as an ornamental plant in the Bolivian towns neighbouring the wild habitat.

We ship a branching bare-rooted plant able to flower in less than one year.