Rhipsalis pilocarpa
| Light | Bright, filtered light; no harsh direct midday sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Regularly in growth, letting the top of the mix dry slightly; never bone-dry, ease off in winter |
| Soil | Open, humus-rich epiphytic mix that holds a little moisture yet drains freely (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Warm and frost-free; USDA zones 10–11 |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings (easy); also seed |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Rhipsalis pilocarpa is a bushy, epiphytic cactus from the humid coastal forests of southeastern Brazil, grown for its cascading, softly bristly stems and its sweetly fragrant flowers. Unusually among the mistletoe cacti, its cylindrical green stems are clothed in fine white bristles that flush reddish in bright light, and its creamy, star-shaped blooms are followed by conspicuously hairy fruit — the trait that gives it both its species name and the common name hairy-fruited wickerware cactus. Its trailing habit makes it a favourite Rhipsalis for hanging baskets.
Description
Rhipsalis pilocarpa forms a dense, freely branching bush of pencil-thick, cylindrical stems that arch and then trail as they lengthen. The segments branch in whorls from the tips, building up a full, cascading silhouette over time. Each stem is a deep green, often bronzing to purplish-red where light is strong, and is covered in short, soft white bristles that give the plant a slightly furry texture quite unlike the smooth stems of most other mistletoe cacti.
Small, creamy-white to pale pink flowers open along the stem tips, chiefly from winter into early spring. They are pleasantly fragrant — a real bonus in a genus not especially known for scent — and are followed by rounded, wine-red fruit dusted with the same fine bristles that clothe the stems.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) of southeastern Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte perched on tree branches in warm, humid, shaded forest. In this setting its roots sit in pockets of leaf litter and moss rather than in ground soil, and the plant enjoys steady humidity, dappled light and free air movement.
Like the wider Atlantic Forest, its habitat has been heavily reduced by clearance, and the species is considered threatened in the wild. As with the whole cactus family it is listed under CITES Appendix II; nursery-grown plants are widely available and are the responsible way to obtain one.
Cultivation
Rhipsalis pilocarpa is an easygoing houseplant that rewards conditions closer to a fern's than to a desert cactus's. Give it bright but filtered light — an east-facing window or a spot just out of direct sun suits it well — and note that a little brighter light brings out the attractive reddish tones in the stems and bristles. Pot it in an open, humus-rich mix that stays lightly moist yet drains freely; many growers blend orchid bark, coir and perlite for this.
Unlike globular desert cacti, it should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water regularly through the growing season once the surface of the mix has begun to dry, and enjoy the humidity it appreciates; ease back in winter but never leave it parched. A hanging basket shows off the trailing habit and keeps the arching stems from being crushed. See Repotting for general technique — it is happy in a snug pot and needs moving on only occasionally.
Propagation
Propagation is simple and reliable from stem cuttings. Detach a healthy segment or two, let the cut end callus for a day, then set it in a moist, open mix; roots form readily and the cutting soon resumes growth. The species can also be raised from seed sown on a humid surface, though cuttings are faster and keep the parent's character. See Propagation — cuttings for a full walkthrough.
Common problems
- Rot — the usual cause of loss, from a soggy, airless mix or standing water; stems yellow, soften and drop. Use an open medium and let the surface dry between waterings.
- Shrivelling and stem drop — often the opposite problem: too little water or very low humidity leaves stems thin and wrinkled.
- Scorch — harsh direct sun bleaches or burns the stems; move to filtered light.
- Pests — mealybugs and scale can lodge among the crowded stems; watch for them and see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Rhipsalis — the genus overview
- Propagation — cuttings · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Pests and diseases