Rhipsalis are original potted cacti , which are called stick insects due to their characteristic appearance. Most of these cacti are epiphytes, growing in shady corners of tropical forests. Meet the most popularspecies of Rhipsalis cactusthat are great for home growing. Here are some tips ongrowing a Rhipsalis cactusin a pot andhow to breed Rhipsalisat home.
Cactus Rhipsalis policarpa
Fig. © Agnieszka Lach
Cactus Rhipsalis - characteristics and interesting species
Rhipsalis cacti are epiphytes(arboreal plants) or lithophytes (rock plants) widespread in the tropical forests of Central and South America. They are one of the few cacti that naturally occur outside of America - in Africa, Sri Lanka and India.
Cactus shoots of the genus Rhipsalisare usually pendulous, segmented and, with few exceptions, devoid of thorns and thorns. The stems are mostly branched and can take a cylindrical or leaf-flattened shape.
Among the species of Rhipsalis with roller shootsit is worth mentioning:
Rhipsalis policarpa- Forms long, branched shoots that are covered with a dark green skin with tiny white hairs growing from the halo.
Rhipsalis baccifera- Produces very long, thornless, lush green stems. This species can be found in several varieties.One of the most popular ones is R. baccifera 'Oasis', which resembles a thick green hair wig. An interesting variety is R. baccifera s. Horrida, whose shoots are thick, dark green and covered with bristly hairs.
Cactus Rhipsalis baccifera
Fig. depositphotos.com
Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides- is a species with strong stems densely covered with short twigs. Initially, it has an upright habit, and after some time its shoots start to dangle.
Rhipsalis cereuscula- forms dense clumps of short, light green stems that divide at the tops to form a characteristic very dense umbel made of small twigs resembling rice grains. Air roots grow from the lower parts of the stems.
Cactus Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides
Fig. © Agnieszka Lach
An interesting fact isRhipsalis species with flattened shootsincluding :
Rhipsalis paradoxa- Forms long (90 cm), green-purple, chain-like, divided into angular segments and weakly branched shoots that picturesquely overhang.
Rhipsalis holviana- its stems resemble Epiphillum, they are long, narrow and slightly branched.
Rhipsalis crispata- a very slow growing species with a shrubby habit. The edges of its short, leaf-like, thornless stems bend in different directions. end of winter. The flowers develop spherical berries, similar to those of mistletoe, that can be yellow, red or black.
Fruits of the Rhipsalis cactus
Fig. depositphotos.com
Growing the Rhipsalis cactus
1. Growing site
Rhipsalis cannot develop properly in full sunlight. Exposure to intense sunlight causes discoloration and burns of the shoots.Rhipsalis grows best in an area with plenty of light in the morning and full shade in the afternoonIn rooms with south and west facing windows, it should be grown at least 50 cm from the window.The minimum cultivation temperature during the growing season is 16 ° C
In summer, Rhipsalis can be put out in the garden or on the balconyand grown in the openwork shade of other plants. This promotes abundant flowering in winter.
2. Medium for Rhipsalis
The soil for growing Rhipsalis must be permeable, acidic (pH 4.5) and rich in humus. It is best to prepare such a substrate yourself, mixing together in equal proportions universal soil, fibrous peat, coconut fiber and orchid bark or coarse gravel.The substrate must be replaced every 2-3 years.
3. Watering Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis does not tolerate drought very well, so it requires regular watering. However, over-watering Rhipsalis causes root rot and shoot dieback.These cacti are watered once a week , and even more frequently in hot weather. Before each watering, check the moisture level of the substrate. If it is dry to a depth of 1.5 cm, this is the time to rehydrate the plant.Watering Rhipsalis should be done with soft and solid water , preferably rainwater if possible. The water should always be at ambient temperature. In summer, Rhipsalis love regular sprinkling and high air humidity.
Rhipsalis cactus in a pot
Fig. Tangopaso, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
4. Fertilizing the Rhipsalis cactus
Rhipsalis cacti planted in fresh medium are not fertilized for the next 12 months. To fertilize Rhipsalis, use a cactus fertilizer in a dose half the amount specified by the manufacturerFertilize plants from April to July, maximum once a month. However,as flower buds begin to form, more frequent fertilization is necessaryDuring this period, Rhipsalis is fertilized regularly every 2 weeks.
5. Fall dormancy
If we want flowers,Rhipsalis must be dormant in the fallRhipsalis dormant period is in September and should digest 1 to 2 months. During this time, watering should be kept to a minimum. The plants are watered just enough to keep the shoots from wrinkling. During the rest period, it is also necessary to lower the ambient temperature to 12-15 ° C and stop fertilizing completely. Such treatmentswill ensure he althy cacti flowering at the end of winter
When the first flower buds appear, resume regular watering and fertilizing of the plants . At the beginning it is done gently, preferably by frequent sprinkling of the plant shoots, gradually increasing the amount of water and extending the intervals between waterings.
Rhipsalis breeding
Rhipsalis is propagated byshoot cuttings, which are taken from mother plants in spring and summer when the temperature reaches a minimum of 20 ° C. A correctly picked seedling should be 8 to 15 cm long. The cuttings should be placed in a loose and moist substrate or in water as soon as possible and placed in a sunny and warm place.
Rooting of Rhipsalis cuttings usually takes several weeks . All this time, the substrate should be slightly moistened with water so that it does not dry out. Rooted cuttings begin to sprout young shoots. Then the young plants can be transplanted into separate pots.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
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