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 will find out 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. 
Did you know? The name "cactus" comes from the word "cactos", which meant, according to the ancient Greek dictionary, all plants that have thorns. He came up with the modern name of Carl Linnaeus.
Most popular types
Outwardly, all the 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. At first they are erect, and then - sagging. The foliage is dark green in color and a purple tint is also present. Blooms white with a slight yellow tint flowers that 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. The flowers bloom rarely, if formed, they have a white color.
Epiphyte plants can grow outside the soil, this is due to tropical origin and life on the trees, these include orchids, guzmania, schlyumberberger, ehmei, platicerium, and vriezii.Also popular are the types:
- Cereus (Rhipsalis cereuscula).
- Mesembrian-like (Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides).
- Empty (Rhipsalis cassutha).
- Curly (Rhipsalis crispata).
- Ridsalis lindbergh (Rhipsalis lindbergiana).
Did you know? California Cereus are the largest cacti in the world. These giants can live up to 150 years and reach a height of 20 meters. In the stems of such plants there are about 2 tons of water, it is fresh and suitable for drinking.
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 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.
Important! Often it is not necessary to rearrange the pot with ripsalis, it will be stress for the plant, after which it will adapt for a long time.
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
Repot 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.
Important! Ripsalis has rather weak roots and extremely fragile stems, therefore transplants and other manipulations with this plant should be careful and tidy.Ripsalis is propagated 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 so that it locks 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 phase of active growth and flowering ripsalis should ensure 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" the plant. Otherwise, root decay cannot be avoided. When there comes a relative calm in the growth of the cactus, namely in the winter, then watering should be reduced and less frequent.
The most common succulents for cultivation in the open field - Rhodiola rosea, stonecrop, young.
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.
Did you know? A Brazilian in 1956 felt 267 cacti needles in his body in just 15 seconds. The record is dubious, but so far no one has managed to surpass it.
Major Diseases and Pests
Typically, the plant is quite resistant to attack pests, and rarely exposed to disease. 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 overall decorative effect of the plant, therefore the lighting should be monitored.
- Excess salt in the soil adversely affects 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, which will result in softening of the segments on the stems.
Ripsalis is less likely to be affected by thrips and ticks. They provoke deformation of flowers and stems. In such cases, it is necessary to quickly treat the cactus with chemical agents of systemic exposure. Feeding at this stage should be stopped and in no case should the cactus be replanted.In room conditions, unpretentious and healthy succulents are grown - aloe, kalanchoe, Fatty, Aichrizone, Echeveria, young.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.
