Care of the indoor plant Rhipsalis pachyptera or Hariota pachyptera |
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The genus Rhipsalis, family Cactaceae, comprises 35 species of cacti native to tropical regions of Central and South America, Africa and Asia. Some species are: Rhipsalis pachyptera, Rhipsalis pilocarpa, Rhipsalis baccifera, Rhipsalis burchellii, Rhipsalis cruciformis, Rhipsalis oblonga, Rhipsalis puniceodiscus, Rhipsalis baccifera, Rhipsalis cassutha, Rhipsalis rosea. Scientific synonyms: Rhipsalis robusta, Hariota pachyptera. This species is native to Brazil. They are epiphytic cacti with a shrubby habit, initially erect and then hanging, reaching 1 meter (3.28 feet) in length. The segments look like leaves due to their elliptical or rounded shape and their dark green color with reddish tints. They have fine felt areolas and produce small scented yellowish flowers. The fruit is red in color and can be decorative. These tropical plants are used as indoor or greenhouse plants in hanging pots. Rhipsalis pachyptera prefers semi-shady or muted light exposure and hot, humid weather. In winter it's convenient that they rest at 10-12 ºC (50-53 ºF); they resist cold up to 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of 75% leaf mulch or heather soil and 25% coarse siliceous sand to aid drainage. Transplant in spring if the pot has become too small. Water frequently with lime-free water, waiting until the substrate is almost dry. In spring and autumn water every 10-12 days and in winter once a month. It's important that the ambient humidity is high; place a plate with moistened pebbles under the pot. In hanging pots they must be sprayed often in summer with warm lime-free water. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. They do not need pruning. If the humidity is low, they can be attacked by mites and mealybugs. They are easily propagated by segment cuttings in spring or summer. |
Images of the indoor plant Rhipsalis pachyptera or Hariota pachyptera |
 Rhipsalis pachyptera  Rhipsalis pachyptera |