How to grow rhipsalis

What you need to know about rhipsalis

Name: Mistletoe cactus, jungle cactus. Rhipsalis species and cultivars.

Plant type: Evergreen, succulent.

Height/size: Variable with species and growing conditions. Most will remain less than 1m x 1m in cultivation.

Climate: Tropical, sub-tropical, sheltered and warm location in warm temperate. Indoors in all zones.

Soil: Free-draining soil.

Position: Warm, humid, well-lit or filtered light, generally avoiding direct sun.

Flowering and fruiting: Varies with species and variety. Flowers most often from autumn through winter with some in spring.𠊏ruit, a small whitish, yellow, red or pinkish berry, often follows flowering.

Feeding: Half-strength liquid feeding at recommended intervals.

Watering: Keep slightly moist during the warmer months, allow to dry out a little in winter.

Appearance and characteristics

Rhipsalis are interesting for a range of reasons. First, where they come from.

They are mainly found in Central America, Northern parts of South America and the Caribbean with a number of species also found in Asia and South America. This makes some species the only cacti not native to the Americas.

Second, their growth habit. Rhipsalis are epiphytic, they grow in trees without causing them any harm. In the wild they draw their nutrients from the air and nutrient-rich water that pools around them.

Third, their form. Almost all of the rhipsalis are hanging or pendant plants, they trail from the treetops. Unusually for a cactus they are without spines, some are slightly hairy but not spiky. Like cacti they do not have leaves, their stems are instead modified into cladodes which can photosynthesise. With many species the stems are clearly segmented or jointed.

There are three main stem forms when viewed in cross-section – flattened or ribbon-like, cylindrical and angular.

Initially they were misidentified and assumed to be a parasitic mistletoe, as some species have a similar physical appearance and their fruit, a small berry, is similar too.

All rhipsalis bear cactus-like flowers. The petals are succulent and often appear partly translucent. Most flowers are about 1cm across and are generally white or cream. A few lean towards yellow, others have an orange or red tint to the ends of petals and only one, Rhipsalis hoelleri, has red flowers.
Some flowers are lightly fragrant and some species and varieties will develop coloured stems, generally a red hue, if grown with more light than they would naturally prefer.

Species such as R. paradoxa simply cascade, while others such as R. grandiflora develop side stems which gives the plant a zigzag look.

How to plant and grow rhipsalis

In a natural setting rhipsalis do not grow in soil, they attach themselves to the bark of trees often at branch junctions, absorbing what nutrients become available. Grown in a quality, nutrient-rich potting mix they will thrive.
Plant rhipsalis in a free-draining potting mix such as an orchid or cacti and succulent blend.

Positioning is critical. Rhipsalis need to be in a warm location, they will enjoy morning light, then partial shade for the rest of the day. Indoors they need a well-lit spot that doesn’t have direct light – think a room bright enough to read a book without turning a light on.

Planting tips

• When repotting, spread the plant to avoid all growth cascading from, and becoming too heavy, on one side.
• When planting from cuttings, plant two to three per pot to balance it.
• Water in well with a seaweed tonic or a fortified seaweed tonic at half strength at planting.

Caring for rhipsalis

• When growing indoors you reverse the seasons for your plants if you regularly run central heating during winter and air-conditioning during summer.
• Feed at recommended intervals with a quality controlled-release fertiliser at half rates or use a cacti blend.
• For best performance, feed fortnightly with a nutrient-fortified seaweed tonic or other liquid fertiliser at half rates, or use a cacti blend.
• Be aware some rhipsalis may require repotting into larger pots or dividing into multiple pots as often as annually.
• If your plants become too long, end tips can be trimmed off and regrown.

Watering rhipsalis

• During the warmer months keep them moist but never wet, as this will induce rot.
• In the cooler months, water very lightly when dry.
• When humidity is low they benefit from misting.

How to propagate rhipsalis

• Take end-tip sections, with many species you can simply cut or snap them off at a joint.
• If propagating non-jointed species, take cuttings at least 8-10cm long and allow to dry.
• Gently push three evenly spaced cuttings into a pot of cacti or orchid mix just far enough to stabilise them.
• Water well and leave in a warm, well-lit location until new growth becomes evident.
• Once new growth appears, liquid feed and move to their new home or share with friends.

Diseases and pests

Rhipsalis don’t usually suffer from pests but avoid over-watering and high humidity, as this can lead to root rot.

Keep in mind...

• Wear gloves and a mask when handling mulch, compost and potting mix and also when pruning, along with long sleeves, as the leaves and sap of some plants can be a skin irritant and cause allergic reactions.
• Store garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.

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Photo credit: Adobe Stock, Getty Images.