Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
One of the best shrubby cactus that you can plant as a houseplant is the beautiful Rhipsalis cereuscula. The plant traces its origin to the indigenous forest of central and South America.
The shape of the plant will appear like small candles which explains the next name. The flower of the Rhipsalis will look like small torches.
It makes it a jewel when you have it around your garden or at your house. Here is everything you need to know when planting the Rhipsalis and the care needs that you will provide when you grow it.
Planting Rhipsalis cereuscula
When to plant
When planting the cacti plants, you should always do it in seasons providing the conditions that favor sprouting. Summers are the best seasons for planting Rhipsalis cereuscula. The plant will grow when receiving the best conditions like moderate sunlight and water for sprouting.
Where to plant
Plant the Rhipsalis cereuscula on well-draining soil. All cacti plants will need well-draining. Soils with poor drainage can infest the plant with fungal diseases. Position it in a point that receives full to moderate sunlight, and should be getting at least 6 hours of sun in a day.
If your region gets colder than 30 degrees Fahrenheit, you should plant it indoors and place it in a south-facing window.
How to plant
You can propagate Rhipsalis using stem cuttings. You will cut out the stem cuttings using a sterile knife and allow them to dry for some two days.
You will then transfer it to a pot that contains potting mix and give it time to begin growing. Do the watering when the soil is dry.
Care for Coral cactus
The best growing seasons for Rhipsalis are spring and summer. The plants have unique stems that are cylindrical, and they eventually become dangly as they get older. Here are the care provisions that you should consider while growing the Rhipsalis houseplant.
Soil and fertilizer
The succulent plants do not always need fertilizer, especially during the dormant winter seasons. The plants will survive arid conditions, and if you want to add fertilizer, then it should be a half-strength fertilizer and only during the spring and summers.
You will then grow it in well-draining soil to enhance drainage because the plant will not survive excess water.
Sunlight and water
Rhipsalis cereuscula will do well in full to moderate sunlight. If you plant it as an indoor plant, you should ensure that it is in a position that will receive sufficient sunlight.
The southern-facing window is the best for indoor planting. You can water your Rhipsalis when the soil is dry. Do not water it during the winter season.
Temperature and humidity
Rhipsalis will do well in high humid conditions, unlike other succulent plants. Most succulent plants will prefer moderate humid conditions while the Rhipsalis will grow nicely in high humidity areas.
The temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit may not be friendly. It will do well in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Repotting
It is easier to repot the Rhipsalis cereuscula. You will repot it when the root no longer has space. First, remove the root ball and dust off the old soil. Remove any rotten roots before you transfer them to a new pot with new soil.
Ensure that the container has a well-draining potting mixture, and has a drainage hole at the bottom.
Pruning and propagation
The coral cactus known as Rhipsalis may not need pruning. You will only prune it when it begins growing the fungal roots. The pruning helps to stop the spread of fungal diseases to other areas of the plant.
You can propagate the Rhipsalis using stem cuttings. You will then dip the stem cuttings in a rooting hormone before transferring them to a container for it to grow.
Pest and diseases
Excessive water will cause the houseplant to suffer fungal diseases. You can take care of this by doing a controlled watering practice. Rhipsalis do not suffer much when it comes to pests and diseases. It won’t be wise to assume that all is well. Spray an insecticide once in a while to take care of the pest’s infestation.
Conclusion
To conclude, Rhipsalis cereuscula is among the best houseplants that will add beauty to your house and garden. The care requirements are achievable, and it won’t cost you a great deal. You can always refer to the instructions when you are at loss.
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