Lepismium cruciforme
| Light | Bright, indirect light; part shade — avoid harsh direct sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Regular in growth, allowing the top of the mix to dry; reduce in winter but never bake dry |
| Soil | Open, humus-rich epiphyte mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Warm-growing; keep above about 10 °C, USDA zones 10–11 |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings (easy); also seed |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Lepismium cruciforme, commonly called the hurricane cactus, is a trailing, clump-forming epiphytic cactus from the forests of eastern South America, grown for its angular, sprawling stems that often flush a deep purple-red in bright light. The segmented stems are typically three- to five-angled, lined with woolly areoles along the ribs and studded in season with small, pink-tinged flowers followed by berry-like fruit. It belongs to the genus Lepismium, a group of soft-stemmed jungle cacti closely allied to Rhipsalis.
Description
Lepismium cruciforme produces long, pendent stems that branch freely and clamber or hang, building up into a dense, cascading clump over time. Each stem is segmented and distinctly angled — usually with three to five ribs, though the number varies along a single plant — and the ribs are notched by shallow areoles bearing tufts of pale wool and, on young growth, a few fine bristles. In strong light the green stems take on rich purple-red or bronze tones, while in shade they stay a plainer green.
The small flowers appear along the areoles down the length of the stems, whitish to pink-tinged and modest in size but often produced in numbers. They are followed by rounded, berry-like fruits, typically pink to reddish-purple, that add a second season of colour. As with other jungle cacti, the stems are soft and water-holding rather than woody, and the whole plant is spineless in any meaningful sense.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to eastern South America, ranging through parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. It grows as an epiphyte — perched on tree branches and trunks in humid forest — and sometimes as a lithophyte on shaded, mossy rocks. In these habitats it roots in pockets of leaf litter and moss, enjoying warmth, dappled light and reliable atmospheric moisture rather than the baking exposure associated with desert cacti.
Cultivation
Lepismium cruciforme is an easygoing plant that rewards conditions closer to a tropical foliage houseplant than a desert cactus. Grow it in bright, indirect light or light shade; some direct sun brings out the best red colour, but harsh midday sun will scorch the stems. Because it is epiphytic, it prefers an open, airy, humus-rich mix — a cactus mix loosened with bark, coir or leaf mould works well — and it is a natural choice for a hanging basket where the stems can trail.
Water regularly through the warm growing season, letting the surface of the mix dry between waterings, and appreciate moderate humidity. In winter reduce watering but do not let the plant dry out completely for long, as the soft stems can shrivel. Keep it warm and protected from frost. Feed lightly during active growth. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
Propagation is easy from stem cuttings. Detach a healthy stem segment, let the cut end callus for a day or two, then set it in a moist, open mix; cuttings root readily in warmth and humidity. The species can also be raised from seed sown on a moist surface, though cuttings are quicker and keep the parent's habit and colour. See Propagation — cuttings for a full walkthrough.
Common problems
- Rot — the usual cause of loss, from a soggy or airless mix or standing water; stems soften and blacken. Use an open medium and let excess water drain freely.
- Shrivelling — thin, wrinkled stems signal that the plant has been kept too dry; jungle cacti do not tolerate a hard, prolonged bake.
- Loss of red colour — stems stay plain green in low light; more (indirect) light restores the purple-red flush.
- Pests — mealybugs and scale can lodge among the areoles and stem joints; see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Lepismium — the genus overview
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Propagation — cuttings · Pests and diseases