Rhipsalis baccifera

Hanging cacti do not seem to be as well known as succulents that they can be used as such. But there is a species that is very, very popular, because of how curious it is and how easy it is to keep healthy: its scientific name is Rhipsalis baccifera.

It looks a bit like mistletoe, especially when it is in bloom, but unlike it, it has its own roots and the care it requires is radically different, much simpler for any of us  .

Origin and characteristics of Rhipsalis baccifera

It is a plant belonging to the Cactaceae family known as Cuba's disciplinary, and botanically as Rhipsalis baccifera. It is native to Central and South America, as well as Africa. Develops hanging stems with a length of up to 1 meter, and a thickness of less than 1 centimeter. Its flowers are like balls of about 1 centimeter, white in color.

The growth rate is fast, so you can enjoy the beauty of an adult plant in less time than you think. In addition, it is multiplied very easily by cuttings, but we will talk about that in more detail below.

What are the care you need?

Sometimes when we go to a nursery we are struck by the following question: why have a hanging cactus? And it is that, as much as we love this type of plants, it may be the case that we do not know where to put them, That's right. Any other, such as a Rebutia, is grown without problems in a conventional pot placed on a table or other flat surface; but what about those with creeping and / or hanging stems?

Well then. One of the possible answers is have them on the balcony, letting its stems grow between the holes in it. Or in a clay planter placed on a tall pole. O next to the trunk of a tree (guided by a tutor if necessary).

Of all the hanging cacti out there, el Rhipsalis baccifera is one of the best adapts to live in any of those environments. That is why it is so interesting.

Location

Although above we have given you a few ideas, It is important that you place it in an area where it does not get direct sunlight.

You also have the possibility of growing it indoors, but in this case the room has to be very clear.

Earth

• Flower pot: you can fill it with universal substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts, but we recommend more the pumice (on sale No products found.) because it will facilitate rooting. The pot must have holes in its base through which the excess water can escape.
• Garden: grows in soils with excellent drainage. If the one you have is very heavy and tends to compact, make a hole of about 50 x 50cm and fill it with pumice.

Irrigation

Irrigation of the Rhipsalis baccifera it will be rather scarce, but not too much. So that there are no problems, watering is recommended only when the substrate or soil is completely dry; In other words, if the climate is warm-temperate and with little rainfall, that would mean watering an average of 2 times a week in summer and once a week the rest of the year.

If you have it in a pot, it is preferable that you do not put a plate under it, since the water that remains in it can rot the roots, unless it is discarded just after watering.

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From the beginning of spring to the end of summer it is interesting to fertilize it with a specific fertilizer for cacti, either liquid (for sale No products found.) or granulated (for sale No products found.). In any case, you must follow the instructions specified on the package, otherwise the risk of overdose (and therefore, of losing the plant) would be high.

Multiplication

El Rhipsalis baccifera multiplies very well by stem cuttings throughout the spring. To do this, you must follow this step by step:

1. The first thing you have to do is cut a stem that is at least ten centimeters long with scissors previously disinfected with, for example, pharmacy alcohol or another disinfectant.
2. Afterwards, the cutting wound is allowed to dry for about 6-8 days.
3. Then, a pot of about 6,5cm in diameter -with holes in its base- is filled with a pomx, and the cutting is planted in the center.
4. Finally, the pot is watered and placed in a bright area (but without direct sun).

After about 15-20 days it will begin to root. Now, you should leave it in that pot until you see the roots come out of the drainage holes.

Plagues and diseases

It is resistant in general. But nevertheless, snails and slugs can do you quite a bit of harm, unless controlled for example with diatomaceous earth (for sale No products found.).

Rusticity

Withstands cold, but not frost. The minimum temperature that it holds is 0 degrees, although it is better not to drop below 5ºC.

What did you think of this cactus?