Rhipsalis FASCICULATA

Rhipsalis FASCICULATA - Fascicled mistletoe cactus, Rhipsalis fasciculata.

Rhipsalis is a plant genus in the family Cactaceae, comprising about 60 species of various representatives that grow in the tropical rainforests of eastern Brazil and other areas of South and Central America. This cactus is capable of growing as an epiphyte on other plants, or as a lithophyte on rocks and stones. The stems are usually devoid of spines and branch abundantly, often hanging down from trees and rocky ledges. These stems have aerial roots capable of absorbing moisture directly from the atmospheric air. The fruits of the plant are juicy berries with many small black and sticky seeds. Rhipsalis are unpretentious, grow quickly, and bloom readily in spring-summer. In summer they need partial shade, high humidity, and frequent misting; in winter, relatively cool conditions and good lighting. Very good plants for hanging planters.

Fascicled mistletoe cactus is distinguished by erect segmented stems that begin to hang down only when the plant reaches a maximum height of 40-50 cm (16-20 in). The shoots are covered with small "cilia". The flowers are white or with a pinkish tint.

By cuttings and seeds. Seeds are sown over soil steamed in an oven. They are moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light at a temperature of 21-22 °C (70-72 °F). Sprouts require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of crops must be avoided.

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Rhipsalis is one of the most unpretentious cacti and can delight with beautiful dense clusters of stems cascading from the edges of the pot. In the summer period, the plant can be placed outdoors in a bright location without direct sunlight. For normal growth in the spring-summer period, maintaining a temperature of 18-20 °C (64-68 °F) is desirable. In winter, it is recommended to keep the cactus in cool conditions, at a temperature of 12-16 °C (54-61 °F), but not lower than 10 °C (50 °F). It does not like moves and temperature fluctuations. It prefers bright diffused light, but can also grow in partial shade. With a lack of light, stunted growth or chlorosis and yellowing of stem margins may be observed. For abundant and showy flowering, good diffused lighting is necessary, preferably on west- or east-facing windows. On northern windows flowering may not be so abundant; on southern windows, shading is necessary during midday hours.

In the spring-summer period of budding and flowering, fairly abundant watering with soft, settled water is required as the upper layer of the substrate dries out. From autumn, watering is reduced; in winter, it is watered limitedly and carefully. Excessive watering along with drying out of the root ball harms the plant. Rhipsalis is not as sensitive to air humidity as other jungle cacti; however, in the summer period it is recommended to mist the plant with soft settled water, as well as increase humidity by placing the plant on trays with moist expanded clay or peat. During the period of growth and flowering, the plant is fed twice a month with half-strength mineral fertilizers with a low or medium nitrogen content, an excess of which is contraindicated for cacti as it promotes root rot. The optimal ratio is nitrogen (N) - 9, phosphorus (P) - 18, potassium (K) - 24. During the dormant period, plants are not fed. Repotting of young plants is carried out annually after flowering, adults - as needed every 2-3 years, large specimens - every 4-5 years. Regular cactus soil is not suitable for rhipsalis; it is necessary to use potting mixes for orchids or bromeliads containing peat or sphagnum moss. A humus-rich, slightly acidic or neutral soil is used: 1 part leaf soil, 1 part turf soil, 1 part peat, 1 part sand. It is desirable to add brick chips to the substrate, and ensure good drainage at the bottom of the pot. Shallow pots are preferred.