How to Grow and Care for Rhipsalis Cactus Indoors

Rhipsalis, also commonly known as mistletoe or coral cactus, is a tropical lithophytic (growing on rocks) or epiphytic (growing on trees) cactus without spines that has long, thin draping, cascading stems. Rhipsalis grows best indoors in indirect, filtered light conditions with acidic soil. It likes moist soil but not soggy wet and warmer temperatures that never dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rhipsalis cacti are a relatively slow-growing species, which is fortunate since some specimens can grow up to 20 feet long after many years.

Rhipsalis Cactus Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing rhipsalis:

• Needs indirect, dappled light.
• Thrives in moist soil but not too wet with good air circulation
• Plant in well-draining cactus potting mix or sandy, humus-enriched potting soil
• Provide a controlled environment with temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and higher humidity
• Give fertilizer on a regular schedule to encourage blooms

Light

Rhipsalis are plants that are native to the understory level beneath towering jungle trees. Thus, they require plenty of bright filtered light, but should not burn in the bright direct light of midday or afternoon sun. Some morning sun is ideal. Keep an eye out for pale leaves, which could mean the plant needs more light.

Soil

A typical cactus potting mix should be fine for a Rhipsalis cactus, ideally containing some organic material. They can also do well with a standard potting mix blended with even parts of sand. As epiphytic plants in their native habitat, Rhispalis cacti do not require a lot of soil—only enough to allow the shallow roots to anchor the plant.

Water

Keep these plants moist, but do not allow them to sit in standing water. Falling leaves can signify that the plant is overwatered.

Temperature and Humidity

These plants like warm tropical temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Rhipsalis plants are not tolerant of frost and like considerably more humidity than the typical desert cactus. During the dry months of winter, some growers like to provide extra moisture with a room humidifier.

Fertilizer

Feed regularly with a balanced, diluted fertilizer like a 20-20-20 for best results and up their feeding if blooms are insufficient. Feeding, following product label directions, every two weeks is a regular routine.

Types of Rhipsalis Cacti

Rhipsalis cacti belong to the larger Rhipsalideae family that includes four genera: Hatiora, Lepismium, Rhipsalis, and Schlumbergera. Rhipsalis is the most prominent genus, comprised of over 40 species prized for their thin intertwining stems. Most of these species are obscure tropical cacti that exist only in the rainforest.

Rhispalis baccifera (mistletoe cactus) is the most common species, native to tropical Africa. All other species are South American natives. Some botanists suggest that seeds of mistletoe cactus were transplanted initially across the Atlantic by migratory birds. The common Rhispalis species often grown as houseplants include:

• Rhipsalis baccifera (mistletoe cactus or spaghetti cactus) is characterized by long thread-like stems and creamy-white flowers that give way to mistletoe-like fruits. This plant forms hanging clusters typically 3 feet long or greater when mature. This is by far the most commonly grown cacti in the genus.
• R. cereuscula (coral cactus) is a shrubby or bushy plant with branches up to 2 feet long. Many long cylindrical stems emerge from the ends of long slender branches forming hanging clusters and flowering with small, creamy-white blooms.
• R. clevata has a pendulous habit with many branches and white bell-shaped flowers. It makes a good hanging plant.
• R. pirocarpa is another tropical epiphytic from Brazil. It has long, hairy cylindrical stems and fragrant white flowers about 3/4 in diameter. The shoots have reddish/purple edges, making this a very attractive species.
• R. pachyptera is a semi-erect plant that droops with sturdy stems that are flattened in a manner that resembles elliptical leaves with joints. These "leaves" are leathery in texture and pale to deep green, sometimes with reddish tinges. This is a very attractive plant that produces creamy yellow flowers.

Although the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri ) is in the same Rhipsalideae family, they are often confused for being a rhipsalis species, but they're not. Another plant with crimson red strands is commonly called red rhipsalis, although misnamed since it's not in the same family; it's in the Pseudorhipsalis family.

Pruning

Pruning and pinching back stems will help encourage the stems to branch out more. Also, if the plant's stems get too long for your space, you can use sharp, sterile scissors to give the plant a trim at the stem joints.

Propagating Rhipsalis Cactus

These cacti can be propagated by stem cutting, in which a piece of plant stem is cut off, rooted, and replanted in warm, moist soil. Spring to summer is the best time to propagate these plants. Here's how to multiply by cuttings:

1. Take 3- to 6-inch long cuttings from healthy stems using sterilize scissors or pruners. You can root directly into the soil or grow roots in water before planting. If rooting in the soil, let the cut end callus and heal for three days.
2. To root in water: Put the snipped end in a clean, clear glass. The plant should begin making roots in about a week or so. Once the roots are a few inches long, follow the next steps for rooting in potting mix.
3. To root in potting mix: Plant the cut end in the center of a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Plant several cuttings in a cluster together in the center of the pot.
4. Cover the pot with a clear transparent plastic bag, giving the plant a greenhouse-like atmosphere.
5. Place the container in a bright but not direct sun location, keeping the temperature between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Once a day, remove the bag for a few minutes to give the plant fresh air. Remove the bag once the new growth appears, usually within three to four weeks.

How to Grow Rhipsalis Cactus From Seed

Rhipalis cacti can also be propagated by seed. To collect the tiny seeds, break open the ripe fruits, harvest the seeds, and replant them, but this is a tricky, time-consuming process. Cuttings root more reliably and grow faster than plants via seed germination. To plant by seed, here's how:

1. Seeds can be started indoors in flats filled with sand and peat.
2. Moisten the medium and plant the seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep.
3. The medium should be nearly dry until the plants germinate.
4. When the soil surface is dry, grow young plants in partial, dappled light and water. Germination can take two to six weeks.
   

Potting and Repotting Rhipsalis Cactus

It is rare to grow them as garden plants, though a potted Rhipsalis can be moved outdoors in summer to a patio or deck that's not in direct sunlight.

Rhipsalis usually grow on rocks or trees, so the roots are relatively shallow and serve primarily to anchor the plant. A cactus or indoor potting mix works well, preferably with some extra organic material, such as peat moss, mixed in. Containers can be reasonably small and shallower than you would use for most houseplants. Some growers prefer clay or terra-cotta pots because they "breathe," helping prevent root rot.

This cactus does not mind being rootbound. Repot these cacti every couple of years. Freshen the growing medium and ensure continued good drainage. To repot a cactus, use gloves. Lift the plant, replant it in a larger container, and backfill the pot with soil.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Keep an eye out for common pests like scale and spider mites, which can be taken care of simply with a wet cloth if the infestation is small. Larger infections, however, might require the use of an eco-friendly pesticide. Mealybugs are another common problem, evidenced by tiny web-like structures on the leaves. A systemic pesticide is the best treatment for mealybugs.

Watch out for discolorations on their foliage, dark spots, or falling leaves, all of which can signify root rot issues.

How to Get Rhipsalis to Bloom

Like Easter or Christmas cacti, mistletoe and coral cacti do not have leaves; they only drape stems. They flower annually but can have problems blooming if the water, light, soil, temperature, or nutrients are inadequate.

Bloom Months

Rhipsalis typically can bloom any time of the year—it depends on the lighting, temperature, and water conditions of the plant indoors.

How Long Does Rhipsalis Bloom?

Flowers last up to 8 days; once they fade, they produce berry-like fruit.

What Do Rhipsalis Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Some rhipsalis flowering species have a slight scent, and some have no fragrance. The flowers are small, star-like creamy white flowers at the ends of the stems.

How to Encourage More Blooms

To encourage blooms, many factors like water, temperature, nutrients, and lighting all play a crucial part.

• Water: Before flowering, reduce watering, and allow the surface soil to dry out between waterings. Do not use hard water; rainwater or filtered water is best.
• Temperature: The plant needs one to two months of temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit to form flowers.
• Light: The plant needs at least six hours of bright, indirect light to produce its blooms. But, it can be sensitive to too much light, including artificial light from a room or street lights at night.
• Fertilizer: Give a balanced, diluted fertilizer every two weeks to encourage more blooms.
  

Caring for Rhipsalis After It Blooms

After blooming, the plant needs to rest to form next season's buds. Give it a short period of dormancy, which is best achieved by reducing water significantly to keeping soil barely moist for three to six weeks and keep it at temperatures during that time between 50 to 65 F. Do not move the plant once the buds have grown. Buds grow at the end of a growing season, and remain dormant until the onset of the next growing season.

Common Problems With Rhipsalis Cactus

Rhipsalis is a low-maintenance plant that's easy to keep as a houseplant. Its biggest needs are controlling its environment to give it its optimal growing conditions.

Drying Stems

Underwatering is likely the culprit if you notice drying stems and little to no new growth. Give more water more frequently but do not make the soil soggy. This plant likes moisture but prefers to dry out (only the first 1/4 inch of surface soil) between waterings.

Yellowing Stems

If a plant gets too much water, its stems start to yellow and pale. Also, growth stops when overwatered. A plant in need of light will also exhibit these symptoms.

Dark Stems

Root rot sets in when a plant is overwatered to the point of fungal growth that eats away at the roots and stems, causing dark brown and black decay. Those dark sections need to be removed, new potting soil should replace the old medium, and an antifungal should be applied to the healthy plant parts to stop fungal growth.