James Burghardt
Family
Cactaceae
Botanical Name
Rhipsalis
Plant Common Name
General Description
There are several characteristics that set the cactus genus Rhipsalis apart from others. The most notable is that it appears to be the only cactus genus that may have one Old World species. Rhipsalis baccifera is distributed widely across the New World tropics but adjunct populations are believed to originate from Africa, Madagascar and Sri Lanka. Also called mistletoe cacti, these epiphytes (tree growers) and lithophytes (rock growers) consist of around 50 species that otherwise inhabit forested tropical regions across Central and South America, including the West Indies and Florida. Generally Rhipsalis have clasping, fine roots and many coarsely branched, leafless stems consisting of flattened cladodes (leaf-like stems). Cultivated plants are either grown in hanging baskets or mounted on the bark of tropical trees in frost-free zones.
Lacking true leaves, Rhipsalis conduct photosynthesis in their fleshy, succulent, often leaf-like stems called cladodes. Stem appearance varies from species to species. Some look tube-like, others resemble winged cylinders, and most are flattened to look like leaves. Leaf color comes in various shades of green as well as pink and red shades, depending on the species and environmental factors. Spines or bristles rise from little depressions along the stems called areoles. The bristles are not spiny or sharp.
Flower buds rise from the areoles in spring or summer, when growing conditions become most favorable. The tiny funnel-shaped blossoms may be white, cream, or pale green and open during the day. Hummingbirds and insects pollinate the flowers. Following pollination, small, round berry-like fruits of red, white or pink appear.
Hardiness and culture depend on the species, but most Rhipsalis grow best in partial sun to partial shade with frequent water in the warm growing season and high ambient humidity. Avoid frost and overwatering in fall and winter. Whether grown in a hanging basket or wedged between tree branches, the roots should be fixed in fast-draining humus, not soil. Avoid exposing these forest epiphytes to hot, baking sunlight which will scald and dry the stems.
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
