Rhipsalis ewaldiana
| Light | Bright, indirect light; no harsh direct sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Keep lightly moist in growth; let the top of the mix dry between waterings, ease off in winter |
| Soil | Open, airy, humus-rich epiphyte mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Warm and frost-free; USDA zones 10–11 |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings (primary); seed |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Rhipsalis ewaldiana is a thin-stemmed, jungle-dwelling cactus from Brazil, grown as an easy-going trailing houseplant. Unlike the spiny desert cacti most people picture, it is an epiphyte — in the wild it perches on tree branches rather than rooting in the ground — and it cascades in long, pendant chains of thin, angular green segments. Those slender, spineless stems and its tolerance of ordinary indoor conditions make it a favourite for hanging baskets and shelf edges. It belongs to the genus Rhipsalis, the largest group of epiphytic cacti.
Description
Rhipsalis ewaldiana produces slender, thin stem segments that are distinctly angular — the main stems typically 4-angled and the smaller side segments mostly 3-angled — with areoles borne along the angles where new growth appears. The segments branch and chain together end to end, hanging down in soft, trailing curtains rather than standing upright. New growth often flushes a lighter, sometimes orange-tinged green before hardening to a deeper tone.
Like other members of its genus it is essentially spineless, relying on its green stems for photosynthesis. Small white flowers (reddish in bud) appear laterally on the segments, followed by the little pinkish, berry-like fruits that are typical of Rhipsalis. The overall effect is fine and bushy — quite unlike the popular image of a cactus.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte in humid forest, anchored in the bark, moss and leaf litter that collect in the branches and crotches of trees. In this niche it receives bright but dappled, filtered light beneath the canopy, warm temperatures year-round, high humidity and excellent drainage, with roots that are frequently moist but never waterlogged. Understanding this habitat is the key to keeping the plant happy: think forest, not desert.
Cultivation
Rhipsalis ewaldiana is one of the more forgiving cacti and adapts well to life as a houseplant. Give it bright, indirect light — an east-facing window or a spot just back from a brighter one is ideal — and protect it from harsh direct sun, which can scorch and yellow the stems. Grow it in an open, airy, humus-rich mix; blends sold for epiphytes or orchids, loosened with extra bark and perlite, suit it well.
Because it comes from a moister habitat than typical desert cacti, it likes to be watered a little more generously. Keep the mix lightly moist during active growth, allowing the top to dry before watering again, and reduce watering in winter without letting the plant bake bone-dry for long. It appreciates warmth and higher humidity, and is happiest kept above about 10 °C. Its trailing habit shows best in a hanging basket or on a high shelf. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
Propagation is easy and the main reason this plant spreads so freely through collections. Take a healthy stem segment or a short chain of segments, let the cut end callus for a day or two, then lay or insert it into a moist, airy cutting mix. Roots form readily in warm, humid, brightly lit conditions. It can also be raised from seed, though cuttings are far quicker and reliably true to the parent plant. See Propagation — cuttings for a full walkthrough.
Common problems
- Rot — the most common cause of loss, from a dense, waterlogged mix or overwatering in cool, dark conditions; stems soften, discolour and drop.
- Shrivelling — thin, wrinkled segments usually mean the plant has been kept too dry for too long; resume regular watering.
- Scorch — too much direct sun bleaches or yellows the stems; move to brighter, filtered light instead.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff tucked between segments) and scale are the usual offenders; see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Rhipsalis — the genus overview
- Propagation — cuttings · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting