The amazing bushy plant Rhipsalis is actually a thornless cactus that naturally hangs from tree trunks. In city apartments it grows in the form of branching shoots in wall pots.
Succulent shoots are made up of green segments. The shape and edges differ depending on the species, and some form areoles with modified spines in the form of a white fluff. The most common elongated tubular shape.
The total length of shoots can reach 1 meter, and an adult plant forms a massive branching bush.
Rhipsalis can be confused with the related Hathiora , but is distinguished by its drooping branches and flowering along the length of the entire shoot.
As with other cacti, omens and superstitions about female loneliness are associated with Rhipsalis, but if you do not believe them, then you can start a beautiful plant in the house.
Rhipsalis Species List
Here is the Rhipsalis Species List we will explain below:
- rhipsalis capilliformis
- Rhipsalis Cassutha
- Rhipsalis Pilocarpa
- Rhipsalis Ramulosa
- rhipsalis mesembryanthemum
- rhipsalis baccifera
- rhipsalis goebeliana
- rhipsalis crispata
- rhipsalis floccosa
- rhipsalis Burchellii
- rhipsalis Prismatic
- Rhipsalis pachyptera
- bundle-shaped
- Rhipsalis clavata
- Rhipsalis Mix
15 Rhipsalis Varieties with names and photos
Of the 60 varieties or species that exist in their natural habitat, some species (photos and names below) have adapted to living at home.
rhipsalis capilliformis
Rhirhipsalis capilliformis got its name from very thin shoots that twist slightly. The overgrown plant resembles a lush green wig.
Rhipsalis Cassutha
Rhipsalis Cassutha is intended for growing in wall pots.
Segmented shoots grow up to 1 meter in length and are densely intertwined, hanging down.
Cream flowers bloom along the entire length of the trunks, covering the entire bush with lush color. In place of the buds, reddish berries soon form.
Rhipsalis Pilocarpa
Rhipsalis Pilocarpa looks attractive during all periods of the growing season. It has rounded elongated segments, densely pubescent with hairs. Here we have prepared guide on White Christmas Cactus with varieties and photos.
During the flowering period, the cactus is covered with white flowers with pointed petals , which then change to red berries.
The stem of the Cereuscula cactus consists of short branching segments. Green shoots are devoid of areoles and bloom very rarely .
Rhipsalis Ramulosa
It has the appearance of purple stems falling down. Secondary green segments extend from them, about 7–10 cm long and up to 15 cm wide. Buds are formed in areoles at a distance of 2–3 cm from each other. After flowering, white berries appear, from which small seeds ripen.
rhipsalis mesembryanthemum
This type of cactus looks like a small Christmas tree: small (2–3 cm) elongated segments, rounded at the ends, grow on primary shoots elongated to 10–15 cm . Pearl flowers look very beautiful and add personality to the succulent.
rhipsalis baccifera
The berry species grows in the form of a large bush with long shoots, practically devoid of thorns. The flowers are small and slightly stand out with a whitish tint against the general background. After flowering, white rounded fruits appear.
rhipsalis goebeliana
This species is demanding on lighting and does not tolerate shaded places.
It grows in the form of primary shoots twisted at the base , and secondary ones, elongated up to 15 cm in length and narrow in diameter.
rhipsalis crispata
The curly look is distinguished by the flat shape of the segments with notches along the edge. The color of the shoots is dark green with a burgundy tint. Small beige flowers look simple and cute .
rhipsalis floccosa
Smooth segments form long tubes without branches, hanging down.
rhipsalis Burchellii
Ripsalis Burcelli grows in the form of narrow shoots, densely branching to the sides. They are covered with a glossy green skin, on which fluffy areoles are found. The crown is formed in the form of a compact bush or ampelous plant. It blooms with small yellow flowers. Check out beautiful type of Cephalocereus Senilis Old Man Cactus.
rhipsalis Prismatic
The prismatic cactus Rhipsalis has the appearance of a thickened trunk, around which shoots are intertwined in the form of a cylinder. The flowers are very small and pale .
Rhipsalis pachyptera
The thick-winged cactus has long oval-shaped segments, forming shoots 50–70 cm long.
Interesting coloring (green above and lilac below) adds to this species decorative advantages.
It blooms along the entire length of the shoot with white flowers.
bundle-shaped
Segments about 10 cm long form straight or hanging shoots. The cactus is covered with many areoles with white-blue bristles. In early autumn, it blooms with light green buds, which are located in small groups. Then green berries appear.
Rhipsalis clavata
Thin and elongated segments quickly branch out, forming a semblance of cones. Elastic shoots grow vertically for a long time, and after a few years they begin to hang down from their own weight .
Rhipsalis Mix
Views similar in external characteristics can be combined to create individual compositions. You can pick up several plants yourself or buy a ready-made version in the store.
Rhipsalis Mix has a decorative advantage during the flowering period: the plant becomes more colorful and more lush.
Is Rhipsalis a cactus or succulent?
The genus Rhipsalis contains both cactus and succulent plants. Rhipsalis is a type of cactus that has a stem that can grow up to 8 feet tall. The leaves on the stem are arranged in a rosette, and the flowers are yellow or red. Succulents, on the other hand, have stems that do not grow very tall, and their leaves are spread out evenly over the surface of the plant. Some succulents can be quite large, and they have fleshy leaves that are covered in bumps.
Is Rhipsalis indoor or outdoor?
When deciding if a Rhipsalis plant is indoor or outdoor, it’s important to consider the climate where it will be located. Indoors, rhipsalis should be placed in bright, indirect light and receive moderate watering, while outdoors they prefer full sun and regular watering.
Rhipsalis care at home
Despite the fact that Rhipsalis belongs to cacti, caring for it at home is different.
Air humidity and temperature
In tropical climates, high humidity plays a big role in nutrient uptake and vigorous growth. Daily spraying of Rhipsalis will have a positive effect on its condition , and a warm monthly shower will wash away dust from the shoots and clean the plant.Advice! Next to the pot, you can put a container with wet expanded clay or cover the top layer of the earth with moss, also moistening it often.
Room temperature in the range of 20-25 degrees is quite suitable for a forest cactus. After fruiting , it is useful to give the plant a restby sending it to a cool place with a temperature of 15-16 degrees.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature and drafts, as well as a temperature drop below 10 degrees. During this period, it is necessary to reduce watering and remove top dressing.
Lighting
Ripsalis prefers diffused lighting. Under natural conditions, the cactus hides from the sun under the crowns of trees, so direct rays on the southern window are contraindicated for the plant. The ideal place would be a window sill in the eastern or western part of the house.
In the shade, you can maintain a satisfactory state of the succulent, but it most likely will not bloom and grow actively .
Soil for growing
It is more convenient to buy ready-made soil for cacti in a flower shop.
For homemade you will need:
- leaf land;
- sod land;
- river sand (coarse) or perlite;
- ground peat.
Mix all parts in a ratio of 1:1:1:1.
The acidity of the soil is brought to slightly acidic – neutral . Soil with a high alkali content will inhibit growth and promote disease.
Watering
In the irrigation mode, you need to feel the golden mean: moisten only when the soil dries up in a small amount. Excess moisture flowing into the pan must be drained 10 minutes after watering.
Rhipsalis Fertilizer
From the beginning of spring, fertilization is required. Ready-made dressings for cacti are sold , which are diluted with water and poured out in the amount required according to the instructions under the root.Attention! Before fertilizing, you need to water the soil well, otherwise the dry roots will get a chemical burn, and the plant may die.
Before winter rest, top dressing is gradually reduced, stopping them for 1-2 months.
Rhipsalis Transplantation
Rhipsalis has an underdeveloped root system that is easy to damage. To prevent stress for the plant, transplantation is carried out with a strong growth of shoots by transshipment.
Stages:
- Cover the bottom of the new pot with drainage.
- Lay the prepared soil from a mixture of leafy and soddy soil, peat and sand in equal parts in a layer on top.
- Carefully remove the cactus from the old pot by turning it over and tapping on the walls.
- Place in a new place and add soil, without falling asleep at the base of the lower shoots.
Council! To prevent soil decay and the appearance of mold, crushed charcoal (preferably birch) charcoal is added to the soil.
Rhipsalis propagation and planting
Cactus reproduces in 2 main ways:
cuttings
A simple propagation method provides a new plant with identical external characteristics.
From an adult specimen, you need to take a shoot, consisting of 2-3 segments, sprinkle the cut with wood ash and leave it in the air for several hours. Deepen the offspring into loose earth or peat and moisten periodically. After about a month, the seedling will take root and give rise to new shoots.
seeds
Industrial seeds do not remain viable for long, so you should pay attention to the date of production.
If the seeds were formed on a houseplant, then you need to wait until the berry is fully ripe, then sow the seeds. Preliminarily treat the planting material with a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate. Put the seed on wet peat, without sprinkling it with earth, and cover with a film or jar.
Water from a spray bottle and air for 15 minutes daily. After the emergence of seedlings, there is no need to rush to clean the greenhouse. It is worth waiting until the sprouts get stronger in a bright place .
Rhipsalis Major diseases and pests
The deterioration of the appearance of Rhipsalis is usually associated with improperly created conditions . Lack of lighting leads to slow growth, lack of flowering, pale color.Important! Excessive watering is manifested by yellowing of the shoots, loss of elasticity and softening.
At the same time, the roots can rot, which requires trimming the damaged parts and transplanting into new soil.
The appearance of parasites is visible on the shoots in the form of a plaque . It must be washed off with a solution of laundry soap, after which all plants should be sprayed with a special antiparasitic substance.
This video shows the varieties of Ripsalis and talks about the features of caring for the plant.
