They don't look like cacti, but they actually belong to the cactus family (Cactaceae): Rhipsalis. The approximately 40 species of the genus are all characterized by long, thin and often branched shoots. This is where the genus name comes from, because the ancient Greek word "rhips" translates as "willow rod". With the right care, you can enjoy the interesting, often wonderfully flowering plants for a very long time.

Visually, the Rhipsalis cactus does not have much in common with other cacti

Table of Contents

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  1. origin and distribution
  2. use
  3. appearance and growth
  4. leaves
  5. flowering and flowering time
  6. fruit
  7. toxicity
  8. Which location is suitable?
  9. substrate
  10. plant and repot
  11. Water Rhipsalis
  12. Fertilize Rhipsalis properly
  13. Properly cut Rhipsalis
  14. Propagating Rhipsalis
  15. hibernate
  16. diseases and pests
  17. species and varieties

    18. origin and distribution

    Rhipsalis cacti are widespread in tropical Central and South America and the Caribbean. In addition, the genus has a very special species: Rhipsalis baccifera is the only cactus species that is naturally native outside of the two American continents. The species is native to tropical Madagascar, Sri Lanka and some islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The various species grow primarily epiphytic, i. H. as epiphytes on the tall trees of the rainforest.

    use

    With us, Rhipsalis cacti can only be cultivated as houseplants, since the plants that come from the tropics are not hardy and need a lot of warmth. However, you can cultivate them outside during the summer months, for example on the balcony or terrace, but you have to bring them back indoors in good time - as a rule, outdoor cultivation ends at the beginning of September at the latest.

    Depending on the type and growth form, Rhipsalis are ideal for hanging baskets that you simply hang under the ceiling. Many varieties form meter-long rods, often becoming very bushy and thus creating an interesting sight. Alternatively, place the plant pot on a raised spot, such as a bookshelf or similar, so that the plant can let its long shoots grow downwards. Other species, on the other hand, develop rather short but very dense shoots and develop an almost shrub-like appearance. These are best cultivated in a normal flower pot on the windowsill.

    appearance and growth

    Rod cactus, coral cactus, rush cactus or simply leaf cactus: the many different names of the Rhipsalis cacti indicate their characteristic growth form. Many species produce numerous rod-shaped, pendulous shoots that can grow to a meter or even longer. In addition, there are a number of rather short-shoot species. Short shoots often branch off at the tips of the long shoots, and the aerial roots that are typical of epiphytes usually form on them. Rod cacti usually have no thorns - also in this they do not resemble the picture we get of a typical cactus at all - but sometimes have very short bristles on the areoles, called the hemispherical and often hairy cushions on the shoots will.

    leaves

    The leaves, which are meters long in some Rhipsalis species, can be very thin - for example in the so-called whip cactus - but also angular or even leaf-shaped, with one leaf following the other.

    flowering and flowering time

    Rhipsalis cacti also differ greatly in terms of flowers. In most varieties, these are rather small and inconspicuous white to greenish-white. Other species, on the other hand, develop large, colorful flowers. They often grow bell-shaped and are arranged in clusters. The flowers of some species are slightly fragrant.

    fruit

    After flowering, many species of the genus develop small, berry-like fruits that can be white, red, pink, orange, or green. These contain shiny, brown-black seeds that can be used for propagation.

    toxicity

    Rhipsalis cacti are non-toxic.

    Which location is suitable?

    All rod cacti need a bright location, but must never be in the blazing sun. A sunny to semi-shady place is ideal, for example on an east or west-facing window where the plant gets sun in the morning or evening. Outdoors, Rhipsalis cacti should be placed in light shade. They should also be protected from rain and wind.

    substrate

    Commercially available indoor plant or standard soil is unsuitable for these cacti. Therefore, plant them preferably in special cactus soil, which you can also mix yourself from one part each of peat-based green plant soil and sharp sand. However, the plants are very sensitive to lime, which is why the substrate must be lime-free.

    plant and repot

    Planting and repotting is best done in the spring, although you can basically carry out such work until early autumn. Be careful not to damage the short and delicate roots. Rhipsalis cacti only need small pots as their roots don't take up much space. But the long shoots need enough space on all sides for the plant to grow evenly. Also rotate them regularly so that they get light from all sides and do not grow too much on one side.

    Water Rhipsalis

    As a typical rainforest plant, the Rhipsalis cactus needs high humidity and should therefore be sprayed frequently with lime-free water. During the winter months, it is best to place bowls filled with water so that the plant does not suffer from the dry air from the heating.

    Make sure that the root ball of the Rhipsalis does not dry out, ideally the substrate is always slightly moist. However, it must not be wet, otherwise waterlogging occurs and there is a risk of root rot. Water the plant with soft water, if possible rain or well water or, if necessary, well stale tap water. Immediately remove excess water from the saucer or planter. Water Rhipsalis cacti all year round. You only reduce the watering a little if they overwinter in a cooler place - otherwise not.

    Fertilize Rhipsalis properly

    Fertilize the rod cacti with a special cactus fertilizer, which you administer together with the irrigation water every 14 days. In principle, you fertilize throughout the year, only during the flowering period do you stop adding nutrients. Do not fertilize the plants between the time the first flower buds appear and until they have faded.

    Properly cut Rhipsalis

    In principle, pruning is not necessary, as the plants also develop attractive growth - provided, of course, you turn the plant pot evenly. However, if the plant gets too big over time, you can safely cut it back by up to a third. In turn, use the cut leaves or shoots for vegetative propagation by cuttings.

    Propagating Rhipsalis

    And this is how the propagation of cuttings works, with which you can easily gain new plants:

    • Cut off shoots 10 to 15 centimeters long.
    • Let the interfaces dry.
    • Fill potting soil mixed with sand into small pots.
    • Plant the cuttings about four inches deep.
    • Keep the substrate evenly moist but not wet.
    • Keep the air taut by putting a translucent plastic bag or something similar over it.
    • Place the jar in a light and warm location.

    As soon as the Rhipsalis cactus develops new shoots, place it in a conventional pot with cactus soil.
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    hibernate

    During the winter months, Rhipsalis cacti do not require any special care and can be grown at room temperatures all year round. You just shouldn't place them directly next to a heater, as the plants can't cope with dry air.

    diseases and pests

    Rhipsalis cacti are uncomplicated and hardy. The only problem is watering, because all species have to be watered regularly, but do not tolerate waterlogging. This inevitably leads to root rot. Avoid this with a loose, permeable substrate, good pot drainage and watering that is adapted to the needs of the plant.

    Occasionally there is an infestation with spider mites and mealybugs or mealybugs. Spider mites, also known as red spiders, occur when the pet is kept too dry.

    tips

    You can also propagate Rhipsalis cacti by seed, using seeds that you have collected yourself. These can be sown all year round.

    species and varieties

    There are around 40 different Rhipsalis species, all of which can be cultivated wonderfully in the home. For example, the following are particularly popular:

    • Rhipsalis baccifera: round, white flowers up to four meters long
    • Rhipsalis burchellii: purple-colored shoots, up to 60 centimeters long, heavily branched, numerous bell-shaped, white flowers
    • Rhipsalis campos-portoane: short but strongly branched shoots, large white flowers
    • Rhipsalis cassutha: Coral cactus, fleshy leaves, pendulous habit, numerous white flowers
    • Rhipsalis cereoides: short, three- or four-edged shoots, upright habit, white flowers
    • Rhipsalis crispata: leaf-like limbs, shoots up to 60 centimeters long, white flowers
    • Rhipsalis cereuscula: cylindrical shoots with numerous side branches, greenish-white flowers
    • Rhipsalis clavata: well-branched, hanging growth, bell-shaped, white flowers
    • Rhipsalis crispimarginata: Leaf cactus with shoots up to two meters long
    • Rhipsalis elliptica: shrub-like, rather flat shoots, hanging, white flowers
    • Rhipsalis grandiflora: long, delicate shoots with red-colored tips, cream-colored flowers
    • Rhipsalis oblonga: bushy, semi-erect habit, short shoots
    • Rhipsalis ormindo: pendulous habit, pretty magenta colored flowers
    • Rhipsalis pentaptera: also rod or rush cactus, thin, long shoots, branched, white flowers
    • Rhipsalis russellii: dark green, flat shoots, white flowers

    All of the species mentioned are very easy to care for and also perfect for plant beginners. Placed in the right place - for example in a hanging basket attached to the ceiling (€11.99) directly in front of a window - and with the right care, you can enjoy the luxuriantly growing houseplants that bloom just as reliably as they do beautifully for many decades.

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Vegetable garden