How to grow ripsalis at home?

Rhipsalis are cactuses of the genus epiphytic. They grow well in the home and do not require special knowledge from the grower. Cactus refers to the typical representatives of plants, which are also called mistletoe-cacti.

At the current time, there are many varieties that are simultaneously characterized by a high rate of decorativeness and noncaprisal content.

Further in the article we learn what kind of plant it is and what kind of care you need to provide ripsalis at home.

Botanical description

More than 60 species of cacti are attributed to the genus Rhipsalis. This beautiful perennial from the rainforests of Brazil is happening. Features of morphology vary. The green part of the plant can be sprawling or relatively upright.

As for the shape of the plant, it is round, flat and angular. The stem part is very juicy, there are no spines in the predominant number of species.Rhipsalis blooms rarely, and the appeared flower is usually small in size (about 1 cm in diameter), white or yellowish in color. There is also a single blooming red flower. The fruits of this plant are white, pink, yellow or red.

Most popular types

Outwardly, all types of ripsalis differ from each other. There are varieties with stems tubular, faceted, thickened and scaly form. The flowers and fruits of these species also differ. We list the most popular ones:

• Bbw (Rhipsalis pachyptera). The length of the shoots can reach 1 meter. First, they are erect, and then - sagging. The foliage is dark green in color and a purple hue is also present. Blooms white with a slight yellow tint flowers, which have a spicy scent.
• Barchela (Rhipsalis burchellii). Stem diameter 1-2 mm, the length of the primary stalks - about 60 cm.
• Hairlike (Rhipsalis capilliformis). The shoots are thin and branched, forming a relatively lush hanging bush. The length of one shoot can reach 120 cm.Flowers bloom rarely, if formed, they have a white color.

Also popular are the types:

• Cereuscula (Rhipsalis cereuscula).
• Mesembrian-like (Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides).
• Empty (Rhipsalis cassutha).
• Curly (Rhipsalis crispata).
• Ridsalis lindbergh (Rhipsalis lindbergiana).

Conditions for an unusual cactus

As mentioned earlier, to the growing conditions, the indoor plant ripsalis is relatively not demanding. Nevertheless, there are a number of recommendations that flower growers should heed.

Air humidity and temperature

Since this plant in its natural environment lives in the southern hemisphere, for its cultivation should be organized such conditions that will be close to natural. Accordingly, each season should differ in temperature conditions.

Surprisingly, the cactus still does not like extreme heat.During the period of its active growth, which falls on the time from the beginning of spring to the first month of autumn, the temperature indicators should be within the limits up to +20 degrees. In winter, the optimal mode will be + 12 ... +15 degrees. The plant does not tolerate significant temperature drops.

The air for the normal growth of ripsalis should be well humidified. It has aerial roots that will absorb moisture. In hot seasons, we must not forget to irrigate the plant with clean water, which must have been filtered or settled beforehand. In winter, irrigation is not necessary.

Lighting

A number of species can develop into a tree-like form. In such cases, you need to install a container with a plant below the level of the window sill, so that the cactus stems rise along the previously prepared supports. It is recommended to hang the ampelnye varieties of ripsalis, then the stalks garlands will fall beautifully.

A pot with a plant should be placed in a slightly shaded place, because the cactus does not like the direct rays of the sun. Comfortable growing conditions can be created with the help of blinds on the windows.

Growing soil

The soil in the tank, where the considered cactus will grow, must be loose, and at the same time slightly acidic or neutral. Perfectly suitable soil, having in the composition of turf and leaf soil, as well as sand.

You can also prepare ground mix from garden soil, peat and coarse sand. There are ready-made mixes for growing cacti, so you can use them. You should not forget about the quality drainage that this plant needs.

Reproduction and planting

Replant the plant should be after the period of its flowering. You need to take a shallow container and prepare a loose nutrient soil. Young cacti can be replanted every year, and larger and adults - no more than once every 3-4 years.

Reproduction of ripsalis is carried out by cuttings or seeds.

• Cuttings need to prepare in advance. It is necessary to break off (not cut) cuttings from a large, adult plant in such a way that 2-3 vegetative parts are located on them. Then you need to dry the stalks slightly, then place them vertically in the soil. The soil should be loose and well hydrated. It is necessary to penetrate the stem very slightly into the soil, only to lock it in a straight position.
• Seeds of this plant can be easily purchased in almost any store for florists. Sowing should be carried out in a well-saturated soil, and after that it should not be allowed to dry out. Sprouts will break out very soon and almost always together. When they get stronger, it will be possible to pick them in hotel tanks. Young ripsalis should be kept in the temperature range from +23 ° С to +25 ° С.

Care for indoor ripsalis

Care for ripsalis, which grows in indoor conditions, is in the standard procedures. Consider them in more detail.

Watering

During the active growth and flowering phase of ripsalis, it should be ensured that it is regularly watered.It should be abundant, but it is necessary to constantly monitor the state of soil moisture, so as not to "pour out" the plant. Otherwise, root decay cannot be avoided. When relative calm comes in the growth of a cactus, namely in the winter period, watering should be reduced and done less often.

Fertilizer

Feed should be carried out once or twice a month and only during the period of active growth of the cactus. To do this, you need to purchase a special blend-fertilizer in the store, which is designed for feeding cacti. But it is recommended to take half the recommended dose in the instructions. Too much nitrogen-containing substances in the soil can not be made, because it can adversely affect the growth and development of ripsalis.

Transfer

Transplanting should be done only if necessary. For young plants, such a procedure may be necessary approximately 2 years after planting. And the old cacti will need to transplant only after 5 years. Florists recommend using for this low capacity with the possibility of hanging.Recall that all manipulations should be carried out with extreme caution so as not to damage the roots and stalks of the cactus.

Major diseases and pests

Typically, the plant is quite resistant to attack pests, and also rarely exposed to diseases. And yet, if you make mistakes in the care, then there may be some problems in the development of ripsalis.

• In the absence of a sufficient level of illumination, the green part of the cactus can turn pale, and also this will provoke an excessive elongation of the stems, which will worsen the general decorative effect of the plant, therefore the lighting should be monitored.
• Excessive amounts of salt in the soil adversely affect all types of ripsalis. The same applies to sudden changes in temperature.
• Excessive moistening of air and soil can cause rot of both the perennial root system and the root collar. This is especially dangerous during the winter dormancy of the cactus, when it does not need abundant watering.Gray rot can also affect the above-ground part of ripsalis, as a result of which the segments on the stems will be softened.

As for the pests, parasites in the form of worms can affect the indoor plant in question. They will suck the juice from the green part of the cactus. To get rid of them at the initial stages of the lesion, you can use the usual wet cloth, which should be carefully removed from the cactus parasites. If the lesion has become widespread, then it will be necessary to treat the above-ground part of the plant with anti-coccid preparations. Ripsalis is less common with thrips and ticks. They provoke deformation of flowers and stems. In such cases, it is necessary to quickly treat the cactus with chemicals of systemic exposure. Feeding at this stage should be stopped and in no case should the cactus be replanted.The room cactus ripsalis has high decorative features and will appeal to any grower.He is not capricious, very rarely ill and does not take much time to care for himself. It is enough to moisten and nourish the soil under it in time, and the cactus will delight its owner with a beautiful appearance for many years.