Ripsalis flower care at home. Ampelous cactus - Rhipsalis. Growing ripsalis from seeds

Rhipsalis is a very unusual and interesting plant of the Cactaceae family. It is not covered with thorns, but branches abundantly, does not grow on arid desert soils, ripsalis does not tolerate bright sunlight at all, if the air becomes dry, it needs to be sprayed, it is very suitable for growing and caring at home.

General information

The genus Ripsalis has up to 60 species of plants that grow in the tropical rainforests of eastern Brazil. These are epiphytic, less often lithophytic (adapted to life in stony and rocky rocks) cacti growing on trees, their stems, devoid of thorns, branch and hang from tall trees and rocky ledges.

Aerial roots develop on the stems, capable of absorbing moisture from the atmospheric air. Rhipsalis nutrients are taken from organic residues in the cracks in the bark of tropical trees and rainwater. The shape of the stem is varied, but all plants have in common that it consists of segments.

Flowers are small white or large pink. Ripsalis fruits are juicy berries with small black seeds. Seeds are provided with a sticky outgrowth, with which they stick to the bark of trees.

In room culture, ripsalis is grown as an ampelous plant. They are unpretentious, grow quickly, bloom profusely in spring and summer. The drooping stems of ripsalis look great among tradescantias, chlorophytums and falling ampelous begonia species. Plants are very good for decoration in pots.

Ripsalis home care

Rhipsalis grows well in bright but diffused light, can tolerate partial shade well. With a lack of lighting, the plant withers and chlorosis (yellowing) of the edges of the stems is observed. The amount of light directly affects the flowering efficiency.

For normal growth and flowering in spring and summer, the plant needs an optimum temperature of + 18 ° C to + 20 ° C. In winter, it is recommended to keep ripsalis at a temperature of + 12 ° C to + 16 ° C, but not lower than + 10 ° C, in fairly cool conditions.

The homeland of ripsalis is tropical rain forests, but it is not picky about humidity, it tolerates dry air in an apartment well in winter, but it is better to spray the plant on hot days.

During the growing season of active growth and flowering, the plant should be watered as regularly as possible and reduce watering during the dormant period, as the roots may rot.

Ripsalis how to transplant

Plants are transplanted as needed, after 3-5 years. The roots of ripsalis are weak, they do not need to be deeply buried; shallow pots are used for transplanting. The stems are fragile and brittle, plants should be transplanted carefully.

The main condition for the selection of soil is that it be loose, neutral or slightly acidic. Suitable for this purpose is a mixture of soddy soil, plant residues, sand and peat. Drainage is placed in the bottom of the pot.

During the vegetative growth period, 1 time in 15-30 days, plants should be fed with fertilizers for cacti, diluting it to half the norm according to the instructions. Excess nitrogen is contraindicated for tree cacti.

Propagation of ripsalis by cuttings

Ripsalis is well propagated by cuttings of 2-3 vegetative segments and seeds. The cuttings are separated from an adult plant, it is better not to cut it off, but to break it off, slightly dry it and place it in the prepared loose and moist soil.

Rooting occurs without problems, provided that the instructions are followed and fairly quickly.

Reproduction of ripsalis by seeds

It is important not to overdry the seeds, maintaining a constant moisture, they germinate quickly and amicably.

As the seedlings get stronger, they must be dived into separate pots.

Diseases and pests

• Chlorosis occurs in low light ;
• Over watering leads to root rot ;
• When caring at home, ripsalis needs nutrients and minerals, if they are not enough, the plant is oppressed, slows down growth and reduces flowering, drops segments and buds ;
• Dangerous for ripsalis are red flat spider mites and scale insects.

Ripsalis belong to the genus of epiphytic cacti, which grow quite well at home and do not need any special careful care at all. All typical representatives of such cacti in indoor floriculture are most often called mistletoe cacti, and numerous species successfully combine undemanding growing conditions and high decorativeness.

Ripsalis: botanical description

The genus Rhipsalis (Rhipsalis Gaertn.) has about sixty species that belong to the cactus family. The ornamental perennial is native to the tropical forests of Brazil. Morphological characteristics can be very variable. The aerial part of the plant may be more or less erect or spreading.

The main forms are represented by a rounded, angular and flat, rather juicy stem part. Most species do not have spines. Flowering is relatively rare. The flower is small, with a diameter within a centimeter, white or whitish-yellow coloring. A single red-flowered species is known. The fruits are whitish, pink, red or yellow berries.

Ripsalis care at home

To obtain flowering indoor culture, you need to provide bright and diffused lighting on the windows of the east direction. In the summer, the potted plant can be taken out into the street, shading from direct sunlight and protecting from precipitation.

The stage of active flowering occurs in the spring-summer period, so the plant will need abundant watering with settled water at room temperature. In the autumn months and in winter, in the rest phase, irrigation measures should be reduced, but the soil should not dry out too much.

It is necessary to feed ripsalis only in the spring and summer, once every two weeks, with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers with a minimum amount of nitrogen. At the stage of active vegetation, the decorative culture must be provided with a temperature regime within 18-20 ° C. In winter, the temperature must be lowered to 14-15 ° C.

Growing ripsalis (video)

Description of popular species

Despite the fact that many types of ripsalis are able to grow exclusively in natural, natural conditions, some are quite well adapted for growing in indoor floriculture.

Rhipsalis cassuta

This species is a hanging succulent plant with fairly long and soft shoots. Indoor culture blooms very beautifully in the last decade of spring. Ripsalis Cassuta (R.cassutha) is characterized by the formation of drooping, cylindrical shoots, the length of which often reaches three meters. The flowers are greenish-white or whitish-cream in color, fragrant. After flowering, fruits-berries of red color are formed.

Rhipsalis cereuscula

Ripsalis cereuscula (R.cereuscula) has long and thin shoots, divided into short and fleshy, highly branched segments. Segments up to 10 cm long depart from the base of the plant, divided at the tops into smaller and splayed parts in different directions. In winter, small, white flowers with a slight pinkish tinge are formed. The petals are narrow, with pointed ends. Flowering is quite rare in indoor floriculture.

Ripsalis mix

This species is especially often cultivated at home. Indoor unpretentious perennial has thin, segmented, hanging stem parts, which create a very interesting and highly decorative effect. The flowering of the mix species is rarely observed, small and inconspicuous whitish flowers.

Other varieties

Domestic amateur flower growers often grow some other types of indoor ripsalis:

• Barchela(R burchellii) with primary stems 60 cm long and terminal stems up to 60-70 mm long with an average diameter of a couple of millimeters;
• hairy(R. capilliformis) - well known to the grower, having soft and thin, branching stems and small, whitish flowers;
• Gobeliana(R. goebeliana) has stem rounded and flattened primary segments, as well as terminal segments up to 30 mm wide;
• curly(R.crispata) - a bushy plant with wide leaf-shaped stem segments no more than 10-11 cm long;
• Lindberg(R.lindbergiana) - has long and hanging shoots, which are represented by long primary and short secondary segments;
• mesembryanthemoid(R. mesembryanthemoides) - indoor perennial, resembling spruce branches with rounded secondary segments;
• rounded(R.teres) - belongs to the category of highly branched perennials with cylindrical erect and hanging shoots and small, yellowish flowers;
• prismatic(R.prismatica) - a branching species with a strong cylindrical stem with multifaceted shoots and whitish, unattractive flowers;
• empty(R. cassutha) - characterized by the presence of thin, segmented, hanging shoots and small, not very attractive flowers.

Ripsalis cuttings (video)

How and when to transplant ripsalis

It is necessary to replant ripsalis indoor culture not only in a timely manner, but also correctly, observing the following recommendations:

• transplantation is carried out only after full flowering;
• the flower pot should be shallow;
• the planting substrate should be sufficiently loose and airy, based on turf and leaf soil, peat and brick chips, as well as medium-grained sand;
• it is allowed to use ready-made soils suitable for growing cacti for planting and transplanting.

A young houseplant needs to be repotted annually, while older and larger specimens need to be repotted every three to four years. When transplanting, it is very important to remember that, regardless of the species, indoor ripsalis has a very weak root system and fragile shoots, so it is necessary to replant a decorative perennial very carefully.

After the acquisition, the plant is recommended to be transplanted as soon as possible. Such an agrotechnical rule is due to the inability of the transport soil to provide the ornamental culture with good nutrition, which is necessary for full growth and development at all stages of the growing season. Transplantation of a newly acquired plant can be performed regardless of the time of year.

Diseases and pests

As a rule, flower growers do not have problems with growing epiphytic plants. However, it is necessary to periodically inspect the ornamental perennial to exclude the following lesions and damage:

• insufficient lighting causes blanching of the stem part of the plant, and provokes excessive elongation, as well as a significant deterioration in decorativeness;
• improper care can cause a violation of the formation of chlorophyll in the aerial part, the so-called chlorosis;
• all types of ripsalis react very painfully to an excess amount of salts in the soil substrate, as well as any changes in soil temperature in a flower pot;
• excessive watering and waterlogging of the soil often become the main cause of damage to the root collar and root system of indoor perennials with rot;
• it is very dangerous to waterlog the soil in a flower pot in late autumn or winter, when the plant does not need frequent and abundant watering;
• relatively often, the aerial part of a room decorative culture is affected by gray rot, in which softening of the segments on the shoots is observed. This disease causes an excessive level of humidity in the room and insufficient air circulation.

Somewhat less often, damage to the aerial part of a room perennial culture is noted. thrips and mites, which are capable of causing strong and clearly visible deformation of flowers, as well as the stem part and foliage. If such damaging factors are detected, it is recommended to immediately treat the plant with systemic chemicals. During this period, all top dressing must be stopped, and it is absolutely impossible to perform a transplant.

Varieties of ripsalis (video)

Indoor ripsalis are ampelous plants, the shoots of which consist of well-defined segment segments, and deservedly belong to the category of unpretentious and highly decorative crops popular with domestic amateur flower growers. However, in order to maintain external attractiveness, it is necessary to provide decent care for the tropical perennial, allowing the culture to express itself in its full beauty.

This culture is a prominent representative of the Cactus family. Ripsalis has a synonym and is often called as a twig. Such a plant grows in the form of small shrubs, includes about fifty varieties. This plant is epiphytic. In nature, it can be found in the tropics with a high level of humidity. As a rule, ripsalis grows in countries such as Africa, Southeast Asia, as well as in the southern and northern parts of the United States. On the surface of the soil, such plants are less common, but in rocky areas, as well as on the trunks of various trees, ripsalis grows very willingly. Some varieties of this plant can be grown at home.

Ripsalis: photo

Briefly about the conditions for growing ripsalis

Ripsalis blooms, as a rule, in the last month of winter or in the first spring. If this crop is grown correctly, and all the basic recommendations for caring for the plant are followed, then the flowering of ripsalis can occur not once, but several times a year.

Ripsalis shows good results in light shade, as well as with a large amount of diffused light. It is best to place the plant pot on a window with an east or west exposure. At the same time, aggressive direct sunlight that appears at noon should not fall on the plant.

In the spring, as well as in summer, the temperature should be maintained within +20 +26 degrees. As for winter, at this time the temperature should be lowered and reach about +16 degrees. At the same time, this indicator in winter should not be lower than ten degrees.

Rhipsalis plants need to be watered regularly. This is done after the soil has dried to a third.

In order for ripsalis to develop well and gain growth, it is necessary to maintain the humidity of the environment at a high level. It is best to use a special device that increases this figure in the room. In addition, you can pour expanded clay or pebbles into the bowl, and pour water on top. A pot with a plant is placed on such a container.

Nutrient application starts in March and ends in October. As a rule, this procedure is carried out a couple of times in thirty days. For this purpose, it is best to use a mineral-based fertilizer complex that is designed for species such as succulents. It is allowed to use other top dressings in the complex, however, the concentration of fertilizer must be halved. This plant, from October to March, does not require top dressing.

In winter, after flowering has ended, ripsalis begins a dormant period. It usually lasts from one to one and a half months.

At a young age, plants are transplanted annually. As for adult ripsalis, for them this procedure is performed less frequently, approximately once every four to five years. The plant is transplanted by transshipment.

This culture propagates with the help of cuttings, seeds, and also by dividing the shrub.

The ripsalis plant can be attacked by scale insects and spider mites. Due to improper care, the plant can become ill with chlorosis.

Ripsalis: photo

Characteristics of ripsalis

This culture is epiphytic and grows in the form of a compact shrub. It branches quite intensively, has aerial roots. The green part is covered with fluff. It is worth noting that spines are absent in all varieties.

The stems have a drooping orientation, may have a different shape: round, flat or with ribbing. The flowers are miniature, there is a corolla, which can be pink, yellow. There are also corollas with white and orange color. Flowers are located both at the top of the shoot and along the entire stem. The fruits are shaped like a berry. Fruits can have different colors: pinkish, snow-white and even black.

Cactus ripsalis: photo

Ripsalis: home care

Growing ripsalis cactus at home is not difficult at all, since ripsalis is not a very whimsical culture. However, for successful cultivation, it is necessary to create the conditions in which ripsalis is used to growing in nature. The level of illumination of the room, as well as the temperature regime, should be optimally suited for ripsalis. In addition, it is important to water and fertilize the plant on time.

In summer and spring, the ambient temperature should vary from +19 to +25 degrees. In winter, the plant is in a dormant period, it gains energy for further active growth. During this period, the temperature drops to about +16 degrees. If for a short time the temperature drops to +10 degrees for some reason, this is not critical for ripsalis. But finding a plant for a long time at this temperature can kill ripsalis. If it is not possible to move the flower pot to a cool room during the rest period, then you can leave it in the room.

Succulent ripsalis in nature prefers shaded areas of the tropics. For this reason, direct sunlight should not be allowed to hit the plants. For this reason, placing a pot with ripsalis on a windowsill with a southern exposure is only a last resort. The best option would be a western or eastern window. At the same time, in the afternoon you still have to shade the plant from aggressive rays. If you want, you can place the flower not on the windowsill, but in the depths of the room, or you can put the pot on the windowsill with a northern orientation. At the same time, it is worth knowing that ripsalis will grow and develop under such conditions slowly, and you can not wait for flowering.

The soil in a pot with ripsalis succulent should be watered when the earth dries out by one third. To check this, you can use a pencil. It is placed in the soil so that the tip reaches the bottom of the container. Next, the pencil is pulled out, according to the adhering earth, you can understand how wet the soil is.

If during the dormant period you moved the plant to cool conditions, then you need to water it much less often. If you left ripsalis in the winter in the same place, then watering is carried out as usual. In particular, you should not forget about watering if the air becomes too dry due to heating devices. In this case, the level of soil moisture is checked with a wooden stick or pencil. The plant is watered after the earth dries out by one third.

Watering the ripsalis plant is best done with water that has settled for at least two days. Filtered water will work too. It should not be cold, the best option is room temperature. Do not forget that excessive watering, as well as a lack of moisture, can adversely affect the condition of the plant.

In its natural habitat, this plant grows in tropical areas where the humidity level is quite high. For this reason, it is necessary to provide plants with the necessary conditions similar to natural ones. To increase this indicator, you can use a special technique that increases the humidity of the air. You can systematically spray the air in the room with water using a spray bottle. In addition, it is recommended to put a container with a flower on a bowl with moistened pebbles. Expanded clay is suitable for the same purpose. From time to time, you can douse the plant with a warm shower. So, you will clean the flower from dust, and also improve the general condition of the ripsalis.

During the growing season, which falls on the period from March to October, you need to additionally feed. This is done twice a month. For this purpose, it is best to use fertilizer in combination with the content of mineral elements. Special liquid top dressing for cacti is best suited. If you are using an all-purpose food, then the concentration should be reduced by half of what is indicated on the label.

When fertilizing, it is worth remembering that too much nitrogen can have a very bad effect on the condition of the plant. During the dormant period (October - March), top dressing is not applied. This applies to the plant if you moved it to a cool place for the winter. If the flower remains to winter in the same place, then top dressing is carried out in the same mode as in other seasons. The amount of nutrients remains the same.

How to transplant ripsalis?

While the plant is still at a young age, it is transplanted every year. A plant that has already grown up is transplanted once every three years. A plant "aged" is transplanted every four to five years. The root system is quite tender, it is located in the upper layer of the soil. For this reason, to transplant ripsalis, you need to buy a wide and not too high flower pot. Transplantation should be carried out carefully, with the help of transshipment. The clod of earth, which is located with the root system, should be tried to be preserved as completely as possible.

At the bottom of the planting tank, you need to lay a layer of drainage, it should be about one-fourth of the entire volume of the pot. Expanded clay is well suited for this. This measure is necessary so that the liquid in the root system of the plant does not stagnate. After that, ripsalis is transplanted by transshipment into a new container. The empty space must be filled with soil, the pH of which should be at a neutral or weak level. The soil mixture should consist of leafy soil, soddy soil, peat and river sand. All listed ingredients should be in the same amount. You can also prepare another version of the soil by mixing sand (one part), leafy soil (two parts) and soddy soil (four parts). To disinfect the soil, you need to add a little charcoal to the soil mixture. So you protect your plant from diseases that may occur in the root system.

As a rule, this culture begins to bloom at the end of the winter period or at the beginning of spring. It also happens that the flowering of ripsalis does not occur, which greatly upsets flower growers. If this is your case, then pay attention to the growing conditions of the plant, whether all the recommendations are followed. Does the plant have enough sunlight, top dressing, watering. There are also cases when the plant sheds already formed inflorescences. As a rule, such a problem occurs when putrefactive processes appear in the root system. It can also be a symptom of overdried soil and moving the pot to a new place.

Ripsalis flower: photo

Reproduction of ripsalis at home

With the help of cuttings

This method is quite simple and suitable even for beginner gardeners. To this end, you need to choose a middle-aged plant and break off a small segment from the shoot. After that, the stalk is recommended to be left in the fresh air so that it dries properly.

For the cutting to take root, water is not used. For this purpose, the segment is immediately placed in a moist soil mixture, which includes peat and river sand. The quantity is the same. The best result in terms of rooting is usually observed at a temperature of about +25 degrees. To make the process go faster, you need to create a mini-greenhouse. For this landing, you need to cover with polyethylene, which is able to transmit light. Every day you need to remove the insulation in order for the cuttings to be ventilated. In addition, the condensate that accumulates on polyethylene must be cleaned regularly.

By dividing the plant

This procedure is quite convenient to carry out during plant transplantation. In this case, care must be taken, because the root system of the ripsalis cactus is quite delicate, and it is very easy to damage it. Landing containers are prepared in advance. At the bottom of each pot you need to lay a drainage layer. In this case, the soil is used such as during the transplantation of plants. After transplanting, it is imperative to thoroughly shed the plants with water. At first, plants that are not yet strong need to be protected from scorching sunlight.

seed method

This method of propagation of ripsalis is practically not used by flower growers. But if you have time and patience, then you can propagate ripsalis and seeds.

For this purpose, crops are carried out in a not too large capacity. The substrate must be suitable for cacti. You need to water the crops systematically, the soil should always be slightly moist. Shoots are formed, as a rule, quite amicably. When the sprouts have grown enough and become strong, they can dive into separate containers. Further, the plants must be kept at a temperature of approximately +24 degrees.

Ripsalis flower: photo

About harmful insects and diseases of ripsalis

Ripsalis diseases

Quite a big danger for ripsalis is chlorosis. If the plant "caught" such a disease, then the leaf plates begin to turn yellow, their size becomes too small. Leaves begin to fall prematurely. Flowers also change in size and shape. Ripsalis roots can also be subject to such a disease, it can destroy the plant. To avoid such a problem, it is necessary to observe the correct lighting mode. There should not be too little light, but an excess will not do any good either. Keep an eye on the pH level in the soil, it should be about five units. Often this problem appears if tap water is used for irrigation. In it, as a rule, the acidity is above the norm and can be equal to seven units.

If you are faced with a problem such as chlorosis, then you need to periodically water the plants with a weak solution of lemon acid. If you try such a solution, then it should only slightly sour. From time to time, you need to make top dressing that contains a chelated form of iron. It is in this form that the absorption of iron occurs more actively. Such top dressing should be applied foliarly, that is, “on the sheet”.

Ripsalis pests

The greatest danger to this culture is the scale insect and spider mite. If you find adult scale insects on a plant with the naked eye, then they must be removed with a stick and cotton wool smeared with soapy water or alcohol. The fact is that already mature scale insects are not afraid of chemicals due to their strong shell. The same goes for their eggs. After the adults are removed, you need to thoroughly rinse the plant with a warm shower. Ripsalis should then dry completely. Next, it is imperative to carry out the treatment with insecticides. This is done by spraying. To do this, you can use Fitoverm, Aktellik or Aktara. There are other similar products in garden stores. If harmful insects are found on the plant in too large numbers, then get ready for repeated processing. After a single treatment, most likely, the problem will not be solved.

As for the spider mite, this pest occurs when the air in the room is too dry. Ripsalis is quite picky about a high level of humidity. For this reason, this condition must be observed so that the spider mite does not annoy your plant. If this pest is found, it is necessary to correct the situation with humidity and increase it to the desired level. First, you can douse the plant with a warm shower, after that you need to spray the air near the flower from a spray bottle every day.

If the air humidity is high, then a pest such as a spider mite simply cannot survive. But if there are too many mites on the plant, then just increasing the humidity is not enough. In this situation, the plant is also doused with a warm shower, and then treated by spraying with acaricide. Most often, for this purpose, flower growers use Kleshchevit, Aktellik, Apollo, Aktara.

Ripsalis: video

Rhipsalis: types of cactus

Rhipsalis Cereuscula

This variety of ripsalis cactus is quite popular among flower lovers. Rhipsalis Cereuscula shoots are not too long, thin. Grow in different directions. This applies to the stems of the second level. As for the main shoots, they are quite elongated, resembling an arc in shape. Rhipsalis Cereuskala flowers are white, grow a couple of centimeters in length. It is worth noting that flowering in ripsalis Cereuskala at home occurs very rarely. Even if all conditions are met, cereuscula ripsalis is healthy, there can still be very few flowers.

Ripsalis Cereuscula: photo

Rhipsalis Pilocarpa

The shoots of ripsalis Pilocarpa have a more rigid structure than the one we described above. The stems are quite strong, branching is not too intense. In addition, it has a light yellow fluff on the surface. If you follow all the conditions for growing, then flowering in one year can even occur three times. Ripsalis Pilocarpa flowers have a bright, pleasant aroma, painted in a light yellow tint. Rhipsalis Pilocarpa flowers contain a large number of petals, making the flowers look very magnificent. In size, the flower reaches from two to three centimeters. If the process of pollination occurs, then after a while the fruits will appear. In shape, they resemble a ball, and they are painted in a rich crimson tone. They also look quite decorative.

Ripsalis Pilocarpa: photo

Rhipsalis Pachyptera

Among ripsalis, which have leaf-shaped stems, this is the most common. The stems of ripsalis Pachyptera are large, sometimes reaching several centimeters in width. The stems have a glossy surface and a dark green color with a reddish tinge. Flowers form at the edges of such leaves. They are painted in a pale yellowish tone. Rhipsalis Pachyptera reach about one and a half centimeters in size. Contains a fairly large number of stamens.

Ripsalis Pachyptera: photo

Hairy ripsalis

Ripsalis hairy, as a rule, is grown in ampel form. It is an epiphyte. The stems are quite flexible and thin, have a green color. The bush grows quite densely, has a falling shape. In its length, the stems can grow one to one and a half meters. Blooms from time to time. The flowers of the hairy ripsalis are miniature, there are many of them. The color is quite pale. An adult shrub looks very beautiful and decorative.

Ripsalis hairy: photo

Rhipsalis Cassuta

Rhipsalis Cassuta is also called empty-fruited ripsalis. The shoots are quite thin, in their length they can reach about 3 meters. Rhipsalis Cassuta flowers are not too large. The fruits, after they have reached their full maturity, resemble gooseberries in shape and appearance.

Ripsalis Cassuta: photo

Ripsalis Barchela

Ripsalis Barchela is a succulent. Feels good at home. Shoots of ripsalis Barches can grow up to sixty centimeters.

Rhipsalis: cactus photo

Ripsalis Lindberga

Primary shoots in their length can grow by one meter, reach a maximum of half a centimeter in width. The flowers are miniature, have a light pinkish color.

Ripsalis: photo

Curly Rhipsalis

The bush grows quite luxuriantly, the stems have a falling direction. Such shoots have segments of a flat shape, they are elongated. Small flowers are formed on them from time to time, which are painted in a creamy shade.

Ripsalis: photo

Elliptical ripsalis

The shoots are elongated, contain long elements. In total, each stem is about one and a half meters. And the elements on it are approximately ten centimeters long. The flowers are miniature, slightly pubescent.

Ripsalis: photo

Fluffy ripsalis

This is a relatively large plant, the cross-section of the stems is round. After some time, the shoots acquire a lignified structure. Along the entire shoot, small flowers are periodically formed, which are painted white. When pollinated, fruits are formed that are spherical in shape and painted white.

Ripsalis: photo

Elongated ripsalis

This is an ampelous variety of this culture. Includes large items. Their shape resembles oak leaf plates.

Ripsalis: photo

Rhipsalis Roussel

Along the shoots of this species, from time to time, fruits appear that are painted in a deep pink color.

Ripsalis: photo

Gnarled ripsalis

The stems are shaped like sticks, branching is quite intense. The section is round. Shoots contain a large number of short segments. The flowers are quite large, painted white. They form only at the top of the stems.

Ripsalis: photo

Strange ripsalis

This type is also called a paradox. This plant has an unusual appearance that can surprise even the most sophisticated indoor plant lovers. The ribs of this plant are quite elongated, include elements that alternate with flat-shaped intervals.

Ripsalis: photo

Mesembryanthemum ripsalis

Rhipsalis mesembryanthemum looks very decorative. On the main shoots is the second order of stems. They are very close to each other. Ripsalis mesembryanthemovy blooms, as a rule, in winter. The flowers of ripsalis mesembryanthemum are formed between the stems of the 2nd order. The flowers are shaped like stars, painted in snow-white color. In size they reach no more than one and a half centimeters.

Ripsalis mesembryanthemovy: photo

Valky ripsalis

The shoots of this variety are directed downwards, have a falling shape. In their length they grow by about half a meter. The diameter of the stems is not more than half a centimeter. The section has the shape of a cylinder. In the upper part there are from five to twelve elements. The flowers are miniature, painted in a pale yellow tone. They reach about ten millimeters in diameter.

Ripsalis: photo

Ripsalis (lat. Rhipsalis), or twig- a genus of shrubs of the Cactus family, which includes more than fifty species. These epiphytic plants are common in the tropical rainforests of the Americas, South Asia and Africa, where they grow on tree trunks or wet rocks, although they can also be found on the ground. This is the only species of cactus whose range extends beyond America. Some of the ripsalis are grown in room culture.

Planting and caring for ripsalis

• Bloom: usually in late winter or early spring, but with good care it can bloom several times a year.
• Lighting: bright diffused light or partial shade of western or eastern windows shaded in the afternoon hours.
• Temperature: in summer - 18-24 ºC, in winter - 15-17 ºC, but the temperature should not fall below 10 ºC.
• Watering: regular, after the substrate in the pot dries out to a third of the depth.
• Air humidity: higher than usual: it is recommended to use a household humidifier or place the plant on a tray of wet pebbles.
• Top dressing: from March to October - once every two weeks with complex mineral fertilizers for cacti and succulents. You can use other complexes, but in half the dosage. From October to March, the plant is not fed.
• rest period: 1-1.5 months after flowering or in winter.
• Transfer: young plants are transplanted annually, adult ripsalis need to change the substrate and pot once every 4-5 years. Plants are transplanted by transshipment.
• Reproduction: seeds, cuttings and dividing the bush.
• Pests: scale insects and red flat spider mites.
• Diseases: chlorosis.

Read more about growing ripsalis below.

Cactus ripsalis - description

Ripsalis are highly branching epiphytic shrubs, a characteristic feature of which is the presence of aerial roots. Plants of all species of the genus are covered with pubescence, and none have spines. The stems of ripsalis are drooping, leaf-shaped, segmented, ribbed in cross section, rounded, or flat. Areoles are located on the surface of the stems. The flowers of plants of this genus are small, actinomorphic, with a white, yellow, orange or pale pink corolla. They can be located along the entire length of the stem or only at the top of the shoot. The juicy, berry-like fruits of plants the size of gooseberries can be white, black, or pink.

Ripsalis care at home

Growing ripsalis at home

The ripsalis cactus is generally unpretentious, however, when growing in a house, you need to create conditions close to natural for it: provide the optimum temperature and sufficient lighting, make the necessary top dressing and moisten the soil in a pot in a timely manner. In this article, we will tell you how to take care of ripsalis at home.

The ripsalis plant feels comfortable in the summer at a temperature of 18-24 ºC, but in winter, when the plant is resting, the room should be cooler -15-17 ºC, however, do not allow the ripsalis to stay indoors for a long time with an extremely low temperature for it - 10ºC. If you do not have the opportunity to arrange a good rest in the cool for ripsalis, it will normally overwinter even at summer temperatures.

In the photo: Growing ripsalis at home

The ripsalis flower naturally grows in the shade of a tropical forest, so it is harmed by the scorching sun rays of the southern window sills. The best place for him is the east or west windows, but even there the ripsalis needs to be shaded from the sun during the hot afternoon hours. The houseplant ripsalis can be placed on the windowsill of the northern orientation, and even in the depths of the apartment, but in this case it will grow and develop more slowly, and flowering may not occur at all.

Watering ripsalis

Rhipsalis is watered when the soil in the pot dries out to a third of the depth. To test the soil, any stick is suitable, for example, from a Japanese or Chinese restaurant, with which you need to pierce the ground and determine the level of moisture from the adhering soil. During the dormant period, which the plant spends in a cool room, watering is reduced, but if the ripsalis hibernates in its usual place, then the usual watering regime should be maintained, especially since air-drying heaters work intensively in winter. The principle of determining the need to moisten the soil remains the same in winter: between waterings, the substrate in the pot should dry out to a third of the depth. For irrigation use settled for two days or filtered tap water at room temperature. We remind you that both excessive and insufficient watering negatively affect the health of any plant, including succulents.

In the natural habitats of ripsalis, the atmosphere is saturated with the smallest particles of moisture, therefore, home ripsalis also needs high humidity. How to create conditions for the plant as close to natural as possible? You can use a mains-powered household humidifier, but not all plants and apartment dwellers will benefit from this. You can place a pot of ripsalis on a wide pallet with wet pebbles or expanded clay. Or several times a week to humidify the air in the room from a spray bottle. Or sometimes arrange a warm shower for ripsalis.

Rhipsalis fertilizer

Indoor flower ripsalis during the period of active growth and development - from March to October - needs fertilizer. Top dressing in the form of liquid mineral complexes for cacti and succulents should be applied once every two weeks. If there are no special fertilizers, flower dressings are also suitable, but their dosage should be half that indicated in the instructions. Particular attention should be paid to the amount of nitrogen introduced, an excess of which can adversely affect the condition of ripsalis. From October to March, if the plant is resting in a cool room, it is not fed.

Ripsalis transplant

Young ripsalis are transplanted annually, matured - once every three years, and mature - once every 4-5 years. The root system of these cacti is very fragile and is located in the soil close to the surface, therefore, shallow and wide containers are used for its cultivation, and the plant is transplanted by transshipment with an earthy coma preserved on the roots. First, a quarter-volume pot must be filled with expanded clay so that water does not stagnate in the roots of the plant. After that, ripsalis is transferred into the pot and the remaining space is filled with a previously prepared neutral or slightly acidic substrate, consisting of equal parts of coarse river sand, peat, leafy and soddy soil. You can make a substrate of four parts of soddy land, two parts of leaf and one part of sand. To disinfect the soil and prevent root rot, pieces of charcoal must be added to the soil mixture.

Rhipsalis bloom

Usually ripsalis blooms in late winter or early spring. But sometimes flower growers languish in vain in anticipation: for some reason the plant does not want to bloom. Check if all the conditions for growing a cactus are met, if it has enough light and nutrition, if you water it too often. There are times when ripsalis drops already formed buds. There are such "demarches" due to the drying of the earthy coma, rotting of the roots, or if you have moved the pot with the plant to another place.

Reproduction of ripsalis

Ripsalis cuttings

Rhipsalis propagates by seed, dividing the bush and cuttings. Break off (it is better to break off, and not cut off) a part of a not too young, but not old shoot, and dry it slightly. Is it necessary to put ripsalis cuttings in water so that they grow roots, as they do with some plants? No need: stick the cuttings immediately into loose, moist soil, consisting of equal parts of river sand and peat, and at a temperature of 23-25 ​​ºC they will quickly root. To create a greenhouse effect, you can cover the cuttings with a transparent cap, but do not forget to ventilate the cuttings daily and remove condensation from the film as it appears.

The division of the ripsalis bush

You can divide the ripsalis bush during transplantation. Try to do this with the utmost care, as the roots of these plants are brittle. Plant delenki in pre-prepared pots with a drainage layer and a substrate of the composition described by us and do not forget to water. At first, keep the plants away from sunlight.

Reproduction of ripsalis by seeds

Rhipsalis is rarely propagated in a generative way, but if you have a desire to get ripsalis from seeds, sow them and keep the substrate slightly moist while waiting for seedlings. Rhipsalis seeds germinate together. When the seedlings grow up and get stronger, they dive into separate pots and grow at a temperature of 23-25 ​​ºC.

Pests and diseases of ripsalis

Ripsalis diseases and their treatment

The real problem can be ripsalis chlorosis, in which the leaves turn yellow, decrease in size and prematurely crumble, their veins remain green, and the flowers and buds of the cactus are deformed. The root system of ripsalis also suffers as a result of the development of chlorosis and may even die. In order to prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to provide the plant with sufficient lighting and select a substrate of the required level of acidity - pH 5.0-5.5. Sometimes the cause of chlorosis is tap water, the pH of which can reach 7 units. In such cases, the soil in the pot is watered from time to time with a solution of a small amount of citric acid in a liter of water. The taste of this liquid should be slightly sour. In addition, it is necessary to feed ripsalis with iron in a chelated form, in which the element is more easily absorbed by the plant. Top dressing is not applied to the soil, but ripsalis is processed along the leaves.

In the photo: Ripsalis flowering at home

Ripsalis pests and their control

Of the pests, scale insects and red flat spider mites are dangerous for home cactus.

Types and varieties of ripsalis

Or ripsalis cereus, or ripsalis candle - the most common species in room culture, forming a dense three-dimensional lace of thin and short shoots of the second order growing in all directions. The main shoots of ripsalis are arched and long. This species blooms with white flowers up to 2 cm in diameter, however, at home, flowering occurs very rarely and is scarce even when optimal conditions are created.

In the photo: Rhipsalis cereuscula (Rhipsalis cereuscula)

It differs from the species described above by more rigid, powerful and less branching shoots, pubescent with yellowish hairs. In favorable conditions, fragrant yellowish-white and fluffy flowers about 25 mm in diameter open on this cactus up to three times a year due to the abundance of petals and stamens. If the flowers of the plant are pollinated, then soon it will be possible to see bright crimson spherical fruits, which serve as no less decoration for ripsalis than flowers.

In the photo: Rhipsalis pilocarpa (Rhipsalis pilocarpa)

Or ripsalis thick-winged - the most famous representative of the ripsalis group with leaf-shaped shoots. In this species, the shoots are especially large, sometimes palm-wide, shiny, with a scalloped edge, dark green with a red tint. Yellowish flowers up to one and a half centimeters in diameter with numerous stamens open along the edges of the leaves.

In the photo: Rhipsalis pachyptera (Rhipsalis pachyptera)

Ampel epiphyte with very thin, soft, branching light green stems, forming a lush flowing bush. The length of the stems can reach 120 cm. Sometimes hairy ripsalis is covered with small whitish flowers. This ripsalis is especially decorative in adulthood.

In the photo: Ripsalis hairy (Rhipsalis capilliformis)

Or ripsalis empty-fruited- a species with thin drooping stems up to 3 m long, consisting of segments, each of which reaches a length of 3 to 55 cm. This type of ripsalis blooms with small flowers, and its ripened fruits look like gooseberries.

In the photo: Rhipsalis cassutha (Rhipsalis cassutha)

Epiphytic succulent with primary stems up to 60 cm long and terminal shoots up to 6 cm long with a diameter of not more than 2 mm.

In the photo: Ripsalis Barchela (Rhipsalis burchellii)

Ripsalis Lindsberg (Rhipsalis lindbergiana)

A plant with primary stems up to 1 m long and 5 mm in diameter and shorter secondary segments. The flowers of this species are small, pinkish in color.

A succulent plant with densely growing hanging shoots of elongated flat segments, each of which is decorated with small cream flowers. When the plant is not flowering, it closely resembles the Schlumbergera.

In the photo: Ripsalis curly (Rhipsalis crispata)

View with elongated shoots, consisting of long sections. The total length of the stems is about one and a half meters, and the length of each segment is about 10 cm. Small pubescent flowers form on the lateral faces of each segment.

In the photo: Rhipsalis elliptic (Rhipsalis elliptica)

A large plant with round cross-section and long shoots, woody with age. The plant blooms with small white flowers that form along the entire length of the shoot. After pollination, ripsalis produces fruits in the form of white balls.

In the photo: Fluffy ripsalis (Rhipsalis floccosa)

Ampelous plant with shoots from large segments resembling oak leaves in shape.

In the photo: Rhipsalis elongated (Rhipsalis oblonga)

Rhipsalis Russell (Rhipsalis russellii)

A plant with unusual bright pink berries that cover the entire length of the ripsalis shoots.

View with strongly branching rod-shaped stems, round in cross section and consisting of short segments. Large white flowers are formed only at the ends of the stems.

In the photo: Rhipsalis clavata (Rhipsalis clavata)

Or ripsalis paradox looks beautiful and very unusual: its high ribs are divided into segments that alternate with flat spaces.

In the photo: Rhipsalis strange (Rhipsalis paradoxa)

One of the most attractive plants of the genus: its short shoots of the second order sit very tightly on the main shoots, like needles sitting on a Christmas tree branch. In winter, between secondary shoots, you can see star-shaped snow-white flowers with a diameter of up to one and a half centimeters.

In the photo: Ripsalis mesembryanthemovy (Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides)

Rhipsalis teres (Rhipsalis teres)

After this article, they usually read

Rhipsalis is a special type of cactus. This is an ampelous plant, with branched tube-stems. The cactus grows on the island of Ceylon and in South America, Brazil. Settles on the trunks of old trees or on rocks. Feeds on rainwater.

Its flowers come in a variety of colors and sizes. Caring for them is easy.

They are completely different from each other. They fall very gracefully from trees and rocks, which can be seen in the photo below.

Types of ripsalis

The following types of ripsalis are most common:

1. Barchel.
2. Gobelian.
3. rounded.
4. Hairy.
5. Curly.
6. Thick-winged.
7. Fluffy.
8. Elliptical.

And these amazing plants grow there due to the presence of aerial roots. It is through these roots that ripsalis receives the necessary moisture. A photo of the roots highlights the beauty of the culture.

Cacti do not have thorns. That is why many flower growers grow plants on their windowsills.

Ripsalis care at home

plants at home planted in ordinary flower pots filled with earthen substrate for ampelous plants.

As a rule, this is a mixture of leafy and soddy soils with the addition of peat and sand.

Location and lighting

Some types of cacti develop into a tree-like form. His pot must be installed below the windowsill so that the shoots can climb along the supports made for them.

Ampel varieties of cacti should be hung so that garlands of climbing stems effectively fall down. This is clearly visible in the photo.

The flower pot should be placed where the plant will be in shade. From direct bright sunlight, the plant will experience discomfort. You can create comfortable conditions for cacti using horizontal blinds on window openings.

You should not very often rearrange the pot to another place. Any change in the content of the flower is a stress for him, which takes time to adapt.

Room temperature

The cactus is native to the Southern Hemisphere. It will grow only at a temperature close to natural. This means that each season should have its own temperature.

But this exotic plant, oddly enough, does not like extreme heat. From the beginning of spring to early autumn (the period of active growth), the air temperature in the room where the cactus is grown, should not rise above +20 degrees.

In winter, ripsalis should not be refrozen. The optimum temperature for it will be + 12-15 degrees.

Watering ripsalis and air humidity

The plant prefers humid air. This is evidenced by its aerial roots. Therefore, at high air temperatures, it should be irrigated as often as possible with filtered water, which has a soft structure. But in winter this is not recommended.

But watering cacti should be moderate. Waterlogged soil can be harmful to the plant. Therefore, water must be poured into the pan, and not into the flower pot.

During the dormant period, care is not needed, only moderate watering, when the top layer of soil dries slightly.

Rhipsalis fertilizer

When growing ripsalis at home, it must be fed with mineral fertilizers.

It is necessary to carry out mineral dressing during the growing season and active growth of cacti. But top dressings that contain excess nitrogen should be avoided. During the dormant period, he does not need additional feeding.

Cactus food can be purchased at every flower shop and when using it, carefully study the instructions.

Transplantation and reproduction of ripsalis

The frequency of plant transplantation at home is directly related to the age of the plant. Young shoots should be replanted annually. But transplantation should be done only after the flowers have completely fallen off.

Medium-sized plants can be transplanted after 2 years. Large individuals - only after 5 years.

When transplanting cacti, you need:

In addition to cuttings, you can propagate ripsalis and seeds. But these cacti very rarely bear fruit at home, so it is very difficult to propagate them on their own.

Diseases and pests

With illiterate care of the plant, it can hurt. Excessive watering will rot the roots.

When hypothermia, the flowers will drop buds, as well as segments. The problem will be solved when the optimal conditions for humidity and temperature are restored.

With pests, a radical fight is ahead. Sticky dark-colored plaques on ripsalis are a sign of the action of a scab. A rusty spot on the leaves is a consequence of flat red mites. The main pests of cacti are spider mites and rot.

To treat the stems and leaves of plants, they must be thoroughly washed with soapy warm water and sprayed with a special composition. In the garden center you can buy an ampoule of Actellik. It is diluted in 1 liter of warm water.