Lepismium bolivianum
| Light | Bright, indirect light; protect from harsh direct sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Regularly in growth, letting the top of the mix dry between waterings; ease off in winter |
| Soil | Open, humus-rich epiphytic mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Warm; keep above about 10 °C, USDA zones 10–11 |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings (very easy); seed |
| Toxicity | Generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Lepismium bolivianum (also treated as Pfeiffera boliviana) is a slender-stemmed, epiphytic jungle cactus from South America that trails into long, branching pendant chains, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding hanging cacti for a basket or high shelf. Like its relatives in the genus Lepismium, it grows without the fierce spines and swollen bodies of desert cacti, instead producing soft, freely branching green stems — cylindrical to somewhat angled in cross-section — that cascade over the pot edge as the plant matures.
Description
Lepismium bolivianum forms clusters of thin stem segments — cylindrical to somewhat angled, often more or less 4-angled — that branch freely and lengthen into ropey, drooping chains. The stems are green, sometimes flushing reddish or purplish in bright light, with small areoles set along the ribs and margins; these are inconspicuous and bear at most tiny bristles rather than the fierce spines of desert cacti. Older, well-fed plants can trail a considerable distance, giving the mature specimen a full, curtain-like habit.
Small flowers appear from the areoles along the stems, typically pale — creamy white, sometimes flushed pink — and modest compared with the showy blooms of the larger cacti. These may be followed by small, rounded, reddish berry-like fruits. As an epiphyte, the plant naturally perches on tree branches rather than rooting in the ground, and its shallow root system reflects that lifestyle.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to Bolivia, where it grows as an epiphyte in humid montane (Yungas) forest, anchored on tree trunks and branches (and sometimes on mossy rock) with its roots in pockets of leaf litter and organic debris. In this setting it receives filtered, dappled light beneath the canopy, steady humidity, and frequent rain that drains away quickly — conditions worth keeping in mind when growing it at home.
Cultivation
Lepismium bolivianum is an undemanding houseplant and one of the better introductions to epiphytic cacti. Grow it in an open, moisture-retentive but freely draining mix — a blend aimed at epiphytes, with plenty of bark, coir or leaf mould, suits it far better than a gritty desert-cactus mix. A hanging basket or tall pot shows off the trailing stems and keeps them off the bench.
Give it bright, indirect light; a little gentle morning sun is fine, but harsh midday sun can scorch or bleach the soft stems. Unlike desert cacti, it appreciates more regular watering through the warmer months — water when the surface of the mix has dried, and don't let it bake bone-dry for long. Reduce watering in winter, keep it warm (above about 10 °C) and away from cold draughts, and it will reward you with steady growth. It enjoys the extra humidity of a kitchen or bathroom. See Repotting for refreshing the mix as clumps fill their container.
Propagation
Propagation could hardly be easier. Detach a healthy stem segment or a length of several joined segments, let the cut end callus for a day or so, and lay or insert it into a moist, airy mix; it will root quickly and grow on. Pieces that break off in handling can simply be potted up. Seed is also possible where fruit is set, but cuttings are the standard method for keeping a favourite plant going. See Propagation — cuttings for general technique.
Common problems
- Rot — the usual cause of loss, from a soggy, airless mix or standing water; segments turn soft, translucent and brown. Use an open mix and let the surface dry between waterings.
- Shrivelling — thin, wrinkled stems usually mean the plant has been kept too dry for too long, or the roots have been damaged by rot.
- Scorch — pale, bleached or yellowed patches from too much direct sun; move to brighter shade.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff in the stem notches) and scale are the most common; spider mites can appear in hot, dry air. See Pests and diseases.
See also
- Lepismium — the genus overview
- Rhipsalis — closely related trailing epiphytic cacti
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — cuttings · Repotting · Pests and diseases