Care of the indoor plant Rhipsalis oblonga or Rhipsalis crispimarginata |
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The genus Rhipsalis, family Cactaceae, includes 35 species of cacti native to tropical regions of Central and South America, Africa and Asia. Some species are: Rhipsalis oblonga, Rhipsalis puniceodiscus, Rhipsalis cruciformis, Rhipsalis baccifera, Rhipsalis pachyptera, Rhipsalis cassutha, Rhipsalis pilocarpa, Rhipsalis burchellii, Rhipsalis rosea. Scientific synonym: Rhipsalis crispimarginata. This species is native to Brazil. They are epiphytic cacti with a hanging habit that reach 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in length. The stems are flat, bright green and look like leaves with a wavy margin. The areolas are located on the edges of the stems where small but showy white flowers appear. The fruits are pinkish white. These easy-to-grow plants are used in hanging pots as indoor and greenhouse plants. In summer they can be taken outside in a location protected from direct sun. Rhipsalis oblonga requires semi-shade exposure and temperatures above 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for bromeliads or one for orchids. Water regularly with lime-free water, waiting for the substrate surface to dry. They need a medium-high humidity; spray the plant periodically in summer with lime-free water. Fertilize once in mid-spring with cactus fertilizer. Pruning is not necessary. They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to drought and poor ventilation. They are easily propagated by stem cuttings. |
Images of the indoor plant Rhipsalis oblonga or Rhipsalis crispimarginata |
 Rhipsalis oblonga  Rhipsalis oblonga |