Cactus family. These are epiphytic cacti, in the genus more than 35 species. Homeland - South America. Ripsalis have become widespread, both among cactusists and among those who grow a wide variety of houseplants.
Ripsalis are forest cacti, their care is special, but they are rather unpretentious. Ripsalis in hanging baskets or planters look very impressive. Usually ripsalis bloom by Easter, i.e. flowering occurs in April - May.
Ripsalis can vary quite a lot in appearance. There are three forms of the trunk: round in section, angular and flat. Some ripsalis have very thick stems like sausages, others are as thin as strings, easily breaking off. In most species, spines are absent, or are present only on young shoots.
- Rhipsalis pilocarpa ripsalis - the stems are more powerful and tough, do not branch very strongly and are covered with short yellowish hairs. Under suitable conditions, it blooms 2-3 times a year. At the same time, it blooms quite abundantly with large yellowish flowers. The flowers have many petals and stamens, which makes them appear fluffy .
- Rhipsalis cereuscula ripsalis - the stems consist of thin fleshy and short segments that branch well. We can say that the plant consists of, as it were, thin sticks. It can take both an ampel form and a tree-like form, but then it needs to be tied up. In indoor conditions, it blooms very rarely.
Caring for Ripsalis
Temperature: Contain ripsalis at moderate temperatures or slightly cool around 18-20 ° C, in winter in cool conditions, preferably not higher than 15 ° C, at least 10 ° C.
Lighting: The place should be bright, especially in winter, but always shading from direct sunlight from 11 to 16 hours. It grows well on the east windowsill or near the south or west window.
Watering: With the appearance of buds, and flowering occurs in the spring and summer months, they water a little more than moderate - the earth should have time to dry out in the upper half of the pot. Then watering is gradually reduced and in the winter months the soil is watered very limited, the land should dry out almost completely .
Fertilizer: Fed from April to August with special complex fertilizer for cacti, every two weeks.
Air humidity: Periodically spray leaves, which is necessary not only to maintain humidity, but also as a hygienic procedure.
Transplant: Transplanted after flowering. The seating container should not be deep. The soil is the 1 part of the sod, the 1 part of the leaf, the 1 part of the peat land, the 2 part of the sand and brick chips. Good drainage is mandatory. You can use a purchased soil mixture for cacti, the pH of the soil is slightly acidic, ripsalis does not tolerate alkaline soil.
Reproduction: Cuttings and seeds. Typically, ripsalis cuttings take root easily at any time of year. After cutting, the cuttings are slightly dried and placed without deepening on moist soil (a mixture of sand and peat in equal parts).