Rhipsalis campos-portoana
| Light | Bright, filtered light; protect from harsh direct sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Regularly in growth, letting the top of the mix dry slightly; ease off in winter but never bone-dry |
| Soil | Open, humus-rich epiphytic mix with plenty of bark and grit (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Warm and frost-free; USDA zones 10–11 |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings (primary); also seed |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Rhipsalis campos-portoana is a fine-stemmed epiphytic cactus from the Atlantic forest of eastern and southeastern Brazil, grown for the dense, weeping curtains of pale green stems it forms in a hanging basket. Its slender segments and delicate whitish flowers make it one of the more graceful members of the genus Rhipsalis, well suited to a spot where its cascading growth can spill freely.
Description
Rhipsalis campos-portoana produces slender, cylindrical (terete) stems that branch freely — often dichotomously — and hang in soft, tangled masses, with the shorter terminal branchlets somewhat club-shaped. The segments are pale to mid green and lack the spines associated with desert cacti — like most epiphytic cacti the areoles are reduced and inconspicuous. Over time the plant builds up into a full, curtain-like cascade that can trail well below the rim of its container.
Small, bell-shaped flowers are borne at the tips of the branchlets, typically whitish and modest in size, with a few slightly spreading petals. These are followed by small, rounded, red berries — the feature reflected in the species' former placement in Erythrorhipsalis ("red rhipsalis").
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the humid Atlantic forest (Mata Atlântica) of eastern and southeastern Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches, and sometimes on shaded rock. In this environment it experiences warm temperatures, high humidity, frequent moisture and bright but dappled, filtered light beneath the forest canopy — conditions worth keeping in mind when growing it indoors.
Cultivation
Unlike globular desert cacti, R. campos-portoana wants steadier moisture and shade from strong sun, reflecting its forest-epiphyte origins. Grow it in an open, free-draining but humus-rich mix — a blend with bark, perlite and some organic matter suits it well — ideally in a hanging basket so the trailing stems can develop. Give it bright, filtered light; too much direct sun scorches and reddens the fine stems, while deep shade produces weak, sparse growth.
Water regularly through the warmer months, allowing the surface of the mix to dry slightly between waterings, and appreciate that this plant tolerates more humidity than most cacti. Reduce watering somewhat in winter but do not let it dry out completely. Feed lightly during active growth, and keep it warm and frost-free year round. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
The easiest method is stem cuttings: remove a length of healthy stem, let the cut end callus briefly, then lay or insert it in a moist, airy mix, where it roots readily in warmth. The species can also be raised from seed sown on the surface of a humid mix, though cuttings are faster and keep the plant true to form. See Propagation — cuttings and Propagation — seed for full walkthroughs.
Common problems
- Rot — the commonest cause of loss, usually from a stagnant, poorly draining mix or from standing water; stems soften, discolour and drop.
- Shrivelling — thin, wrinkling segments often signal underwatering or very low humidity, since this epiphyte is less drought-hardy than desert cacti.
- Scorch — excessive direct sun bleaches or reddens the fine stems; move the plant to brighter shade.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff tucked among the stems) and scale are the usual culprits; see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Rhipsalis — the genus overview
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — cuttings · Propagation — seed · Repotting