Rhipsalis MIXED

Rhipsalis MIXED - Mistletoe cactus, mixed species.

Rhipsalis is a genus of plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae), including about 60 different species that grow in the tropical rain forests 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 profusely, often hanging down from trees and rocky ledges. These stems possess aerial roots capable of absorbing moisture directly from atmospheric air. The fruits of the plant are juicy berries containing numerous small, black, sticky seeds. Mistletoe cacti are unpretentious, grow quickly, and bloom easily in spring and summer. In summer, they require partial shade, high humidity, and frequent misting; in winter, they require relatively cool conditions and good lighting. They are very good plants for hanging planters.

By cuttings and seeds. Seeds are sown on the surface of 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). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings 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 during 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 below 10 °C (50 °F). It dislikes relocations and temperature fluctuations. It prefers bright indirect light, but can also grow in partial shade. With insufficient light, stunted growth or symptoms of chlorosis and yellowing of stem margins may be observed. For profuse and spectacular flowering, good diffuse illumination is necessary, preferably on west- or east-facing windows. On northern windows, flowering may not be as abundant; on southern windows, shading is necessary during midday hours.

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