Coral cactus (Rhipsalis cereuscula)

The hanging cacti like that of the species Rhipsalis cereuscula they are wonderful, because they look just as good on balconies as they do in flowerpots on tall, narrow tables. In addition, they can also be had as cover plants in the rockery of the garden, or even in a large planter with other succulents, controlling their growth.

As if that were not enough, it produces white flowers with an interesting ornamental value, and multiplies easily by cuttings  .

Origin and characteristics of Rhipsalis cereuscula

It is a hanging cactus popularly known as coral cactus and whose scientific name is Rhipsalis cereuscula. It is a perennial plant, that is, it lives for several years, endemic to Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. It develops cylindrical stems with an epiphytic habit; that is, they grow leaning on other plants or objects but without parasitizing them, simply using them as support. It reaches a length of about 50 centimeters, and blooms producing white flowers gathered in clusters.

It is one of the few cacti that we could label as 'jungle' or tropical, along with, among others, the Schlumbergera truncata, since most species of cacti are typical of semi-arid regions. Therefore, the care that must be provided is somewhat different from what would be given to, for example, an Echinocactus.

How do you take care of yourself?

If you dare to have a coral cactus in your home or garden, we recommend providing the following care:

Location

This is a plant that wants light, but not direct sun. You have to think that it lives in the jungles, in the branches of tall trees. In these areas, there is hardly any direct light, so it should never be exposed to the sun directly since otherwise it would burn.

But, precisely for that reason, it is an interesting cactus to have indoors, yes, in a room where there is a lot of light.

Earth

• Flower pot: it is highly recommended to fill it with simply pumice. The special substrate for orchids, consisting of large pieces of bark (for sale No products found.).
  The pot to be used must have holes in the base through which the water can escape.
• Garden: the soil must be light, with excellent drainage. Anyway, if it were not, it will be enough to make a planting hole of about 40 x 40cm, and fill it with the substrate mentioned above.

Irrigation

Irrigation must be moderate. You must always bear in mind that, in case of doubt, it will be better not to water until 1-2 days later, since it is difficult to recover a plant that is suffering from excess water. For this reason, the most advisable thing is to let the soil or substrate dry between one watering and another.

In general, it should be watered 3-4 times a week in summer, and 1-2 times a week the rest of the year. In the event that there is a forecast of rain, it will not be watered again until it is necessary.

If possible, use rainwater, but the one that is suitable for human consumption and the one that does not have lime will also work. Do not wet its leaves when watering; And in case you have a plate under it, remember to remove the excess water after each irrigation, since otherwise it will rot.

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Fertilizing is just as important as watering well. So that the coral cactus can grow properly, with health and vigor, He will appreciate being fertilized from the beginning of spring to the end of summer with a specific fertilizer for cacti (on sale No products found.), either liquid or granular. Of course, it is necessary that the instructions be followed to the letter, since otherwise there could be a risk of overdose, and if that happens, the roots would burn and it would be difficult to recover it.

Multiplication

El Rhipsalis cereuscula it multiplies by seeds and cuttings in spring-summer. Let's know how to do it step by step:

Seeds

The seeds They should be sown in pots that are wider than they are tall, or in cork trays with some small holes in the base, filled with vermiculite previously moistened with water. It is necessary to try that they are a little separated from each other.

Finally, they are covered with a thin layer of vermiculite, and the seedbed is kept near a heat source so that they germinate in about 7-15 days.

Cuttings

It is the easiest and fastest way to get new copies. To do this, you have to cut a piece, and let the wound dry for about 7 days in a dry place protected from the sun. Later, plant it (do not nail it) in a pot about 6,5cm in diameter -with holes in its base- filled with pumice.

To finish, you will only have to water and place the pot near a heat source.

Planting or transplanting time

En spring, when the minimum temperature is 18ºC or more.

Plagues and diseases

El Rhipsalis cereuscula it is quite resistant in general, but it must be kept protected from snails and slugs.

Rusticity

It does not resist cold or frost.

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