Care of the indoor plant Rhipsalis burchellii or Mistletoe Cactus |
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The genus Rhipsalis, family Cactaceae, comprises 35 species of cacti native to the tropical regions of the Center and South of the American continent, Africa and Asia. Some species are: Rhipsalis burchellii, Rhipsalis cruciformis, Rhipsalis oblonga, Rhipsalis puniceodiscus, Rhipsalis baccifera, Rhipsalis pachyptera, Rhipsalis cassutha, Rhipsalis pilocarpa, Rhipsalis rosea. Common name: Mistletoe Cactus. Scientific synonyms: Erythrorhipsalis burchellii, Hariota cribrata. This species is native to Brazil. They are epiphytic cacti with fragile cylindrical branched stems that reach 60 cm (23.6") in length. They have woolly areolas on the stems and floral areolas on the tips of the stems. They produce small but attractive white or cream-colored flowers. The fruits are red in color and are quite decorative. These easy-to-grow plants are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. Rhipsalis burchellii prefers a semi-shade exposure receiving direct sun early in the day. It does not resist temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for orchids or for bromeliads. Water regularly with lime-free water, waiting for the substrate to be almost dry. In winter reduce watering without letting the substrate dry out completely. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents at half the usual dose. They do not need pruning. They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. It is advisable not to move the plant when it is going to flower because it may lose the flowers. They are propagated by stem cuttings in spring or summer. |
Images of the indoor plant Rhipsalis burchellii or Mistletoe Cactus |
 Rhipsalis burchellii  Rhipsalis burchellii |